Shabab Al-Ahli to host UAE National MMA Championship 9

ABU DHABI: Preparations are complete for the ninth edition of the UAE National MMA Championship, which will take place on July 11 and 12 at Shabab Al-Ahli Club in Dubai.

The event will bring together more than 300 athletes representing top clubs and academies from across the UAE.

The championship carries added significance as it takes place just weeks before the UAE National Team competes at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in August. This makes it a key opportunity to assess athletes’ technical, physical and mental readiness while raising the level of competition.

Saturday’s program will feature the Youth D (10-11 years), Youth C (12-13 years) and Youth B (14-15 years) divisions, while Sunday’s competitions include the Youth A (16-17 years) and Adults (18 years and above) divisions.

Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al-Dhaheri, UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation board member, said: “The ninth edition of the championship comes at an important time, just weeks before the UAE National Team competes at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in August. It gives our athletes a valuable opportunity to compete at a high level and assess their readiness ahead of one of the biggest events of the year.

“We are committed to providing a clear pathway for athlete development, from local competitions through to the international stage. This championship allows our technical staff to evaluate athletes’ performances, build their confidence and prepare them for the challenges of competing against the world's best.”

AL-Dhaheri added the participation of more than 300 athletes reflected the continued growth of mixed martial arts across all age groups in the UAE. He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to youth development as the