UAE Mohammed Mardi wins Arab Fight Night Championship
Mohammed Mardi made a lasting mark in history by winning the Arab Welterweight Championship title with an outstanding performance, a moment he labeled as "truly unforgettable" in his illustrious career.
Mardi's win not only secured him the desired belt but also signified a notable achievement for the UAE at the first Arab Fight Night Muay Thai Professional Championship held at the lively Space 42 Arena in Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi.
Looking back on his path to success, Mardi, a three-time world champion, shared his happiness: "This championship is very meaningful to me, not only because it's the first one, but also because it symbolizes the dedication and drive of our country. Going up against top fighters from the Arab region and coming out on top is a memory I will always treasure.
The competition was fierce as 28 top fighters from 14 Arab countries gathered for 15 thrilling matches at the championship.
The crowd was filled with excitement as they watched top-notch Muay Thai in the arena. Mardi faced numerous challenges on her journey to success.
Following a tough victory in the semifinals against Hamza Rachid from Morocco, he went on to compete against Algeria's Lyes Ouari in the final round. Renowned for his perseverance and strategic cleverness, Mardi controlled the boxing ring, securing his win through a unanimous decision following three exciting rounds.
Mardi explained that the competition was not only a battle but also a tribute to our dedication and the loyal backing of our supporters and coaches.
Lyes, with a professional record of 17-6, is a tough opponent who continued to attack despite sustaining early damage to his forehead. However, I was confident in my ability and plan to win this championship. "Victory belongs to the UAE and all those who had faith in me."
The occasion didn't only focus on Mardi's victory; it was a tribute to the amazing skills seen throughout the Arab region. The evening highlighted the fighters' effort, commitment, and expertise from various parts of the area.
The wins of the promising athletes from the UAE stood out, as Ahmad Alshammar defeated Libya’s Mohammed Alkharaz in bantamweight, Rafi Ramzi secured a clear victory against Tunisia’s Souhaib Skik in light heavyweight, and Ibrahim Bilal ended the fight in the third round against Iraq’s Bahman Mohammed in super lightweight.
However, what was most notable was not just the wins, but the shared respect and sportsmanship shown by all competitors, reflecting the genuine essence of Muay Thai.
The thrill of the night didn't end at that moment. The intense heavyweight matchup between Othman Fakaki of Morocco and Mohammed Trabelsi of Tunisia in the co-main event resulted in an exciting draw, with both fighters scoring 28 points following a tough fight.
Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, who serves as the President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations as well as the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, proudy looked back on the achievements of the first Arab Muay Thai Championship.
The events we saw tonight were truly remarkable. The level of energy, talent, and intense dedication displayed by all the fighters has established a higher benchmark for Muay Thai in the Arab region. "We have demonstrated that Abu Dhabi is not only involved but also a frontrunner in the international Muay Thai community," stated Al Neyadi.
At the end of the night, it was evident how significant the championship was. It wasn't only about the championships or victories; it was about the united spirit of the Arab Muay Thai community coming together to honor success, strength, and the promising future.
This evening, we saw the start of a fresh chapter in Arab Muay Thai. This tournament will be notable not just for its winners but for how it united our community in the quest for excellence. Al Neyadi expressed great anticipation for the future.
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