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The UAE National MMA Championship 9 got underway today (Saturday) at Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai, bringing together athletes from clubs and academies across the UAE for the opening day of competition. Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship reflects the continued growth of mixed martial arts in the country and the Federation’s commitment to expanding participation, identifying talent and delivering competitions to the highest professional standards.
The opening day featured the Youth D (10-11), Youth C (12-13) and Youth B (14-15) divisions, with athletes producing impressive performances and demonstrating strong technical ability and determination throughout the competition.
The championship continues to play an important role in developing athletes from an early age by providing a structured competitive environment where they can apply the skills learned in training, gain valuable experience and compete in line with the highest standards of safety, discipline and sportsmanship.
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E. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: “The strong participation across the youth divisions reflects the continued growth of mixed martial arts among the younger generation and highlights the important role domestic competitions play in providing young athletes with a safe, well-organised environment where they can develop their skills and gain valuable competitive experience.
“The enthusiasm shown by the athletes on the opening day reflects their commitment to learning and improving. At these age groups, the championship is about much more than winning medals. It is about building confidence, developing discipline and instilling respect for the rules and for opponents, values that the Federation is committed to promoting from the beginning of every athlete’s journey.
“The championship also provides clubs and academies with an important platform to identify promising talent and monitor athletes’ progress through a structured development pathway that takes into account their age and technical ability, while encouraging them to continue practising the sport and progress to higher levels.”
During the event, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation also recognised a new group of referees who successfully completed a specialised training programme and met the requirements to become certified national referees. Their attendance at the championship marked the final stage of their practical assessment as they observed and worked alongside experienced officials. The group included three Emirati female referees, marking the first time women have qualified as mixed martial arts referees in the UAE and reflecting the Federation’s commitment to developing national officiating talent.
Rashid Humaid Bin Hindi, father of Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club athletes Khalifa and Humaid, who won gold and silver respectively in the Youth D Under-31kg division, said: “My sons have been practising the sport for the past three years and have benefited greatly from the support it receives in the UAE. Their first appearance at the championship ended with them facing each other in the final, which was a proud moment for our family. The standard of organisation has been excellent, and everything has run smoothly from our arrival at the venue through to the end of the competition.”
The championship continues on Sunday with the Youth A (16-17) and Adult (18+) divisions, where ore exciting contests are expected as athletes compete for national titles.