Young fighters set the tone on the opening day of the UAE National Mixed Martial Arts Championship in Abu Dhabi, as the latest edition of the competition got under way at Mubadala Arena.
The event, now in its eighth year, opened on Saturday at Zayed Sports City with bouts across the Youth D, Youth C and Youth B divisions, covering athletes aged 10 to 15.
Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship brought together clubs and academies from around the country. For a sport still growing at grassroots level, it was another sign of how strong the local pipeline has become.
Across the early rounds, the standard was high. Young athletes showed sound technique and composure, as well as the sort of confidence that comes from regular competition.
Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, a board member of the federation, said the level on show reflected the progress being made across the sport in the UAE.
He said the championship is part of a wider effort to develop fighters through structured training and qualification programmes, with the aim of preparing them for tougher tests on the international stage.
He also said events like this help strengthen Abu Dhabi’s standing as one of the leading centres for combat sports in the region.
There was strong support in the stands, too, with families out in numbers for the opening day. That gave the event a community feel, while also underlining how youth sport continues to draw backing from parents and clubs alike.
The championship continues with Youth A contests for 16 to 17-year-olds, as well as the adult divisions, where more experienced fighters will step into the cage.
