Ali Al Qaisi ready to defend UAE Warriors featherweight title at his 'second home'

The UAE Warriors will celebrate a special milestone this weekend when the promotion stages its 50th event, along with the first unified Arabia and Africa fight card, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Marina.

The highlight of the two day event on Friday and Saturday is the featherweight title contest between holder Ali Al Qaisi and Samuel Bark of Sweden in the promotion’s international card.

Al Qaisi is coming off a stoppage loss to Walter Cogliandro in a catchweight bout at UAE Warriors 45 last October. Before that, the Jordanian fighter was on a three-fight winning streak, defending both his International and Arabia titles.

Al Qaisi is looking forward to the prospect of facing a fresh challenge in the promotion’s milestone fight card.

“I’m super excited to defend my title in this milestone fight card,” Al Qaisi, whose record stands at 15-7, told The National.

“I'm well prepared for this fight. It's a big event, a big show. I'm excited to put on a show for my people here in Abu Dhabi, which I consider as my second home.”

Al Qaisi will be meeting Bark for the first time but said he is ready for the clash after studying his videos. “I don’t intend to go the distance with him, perhaps stop him within the first three rounds,” he said.

“I always like to put on a show. That’s why people come to watch me. I want to fight for the people. They give me a lot of energy when I’m inside the cage.

“Also, my preparation is always to meet the best in the world. If someone is prepared 100 per cent for me, I’ll be prepared 120 per cent to take him on, regardless who it is. That’s always been my approach to any contest.”

His opponent Bark has competed under the Cage Warriors and Oktagon MMA banner. Winner of six of his past seven