Mohammed Mardi made history by winning the Arab Welterweight Championship with an amazing performance. He called the moment “truly unforgettable” in his remarkable career.
Mardi’s win not only gave him the prized belt but also marked a major achievement for the UAE at the first-ever Arab Fight Night Muay Thai Professional Championship held at the lively Space 42 Arena in Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi.
Looking back on his journey, Mardi, a three-time world champion, said, “This title is incredibly special to me, not just because it’s the first of its kind, but because it represents the passion and determination of our nation. Competing against some of the best fighters from the Arab world and emerging victorious is a moment I’ll cherish forever.”
The championship was an exciting event with 28 top fighters from 14 Arab countries facing off in 15 thrilling matches.
The arena was buzzing with excitement as fans watched some of the best Muay Thai fighting. Mardi’s road to victory was tough.
After a hard-fought win in the semifinals against Morocco’s Hamza Rachid, Mardi faced Algeria’s Lyes Ouari in the final. Known for his toughness and smart fighting, Mardi controlled the ring and won with a unanimous decision after three action-packed rounds.
“This championship was more than just a fight; it was a testament to our hard work and the unwavering support of our fans and trainers,” Mardi said.
“Lyes is a strong opponent with a 17-6 professional record, and he kept fighting despite an early injury. But I knew I had the strength and strategy to win. This victory is for the UAE and everyone who believed in me.”
The event also celebrated the amazing talent from the Arab world. The UAE’s rising stars shone brightly: Ahmad Alshammar defeated Libya’s Mohammed Alkharaz in bantamweight, Rafi Ramzi won against Tunisia’s Souhaib Skik in light heavyweight, and Ibrahim Bilal stopped Iraq’s Bahman Mohammed in the super lightweight division.
What really stood out was the respect and sportsmanship among all the fighters, showing the true spirit of Muay Thai.
The night also featured a thrilling heavyweight match between Morocco’s Othman Fakaki and Tunisia’s Mohammed Trabelsi, which ended in a tie, with both fighters scoring 28 points after an intense battle.
Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, proudly reflected on the success of the first Arab Muay Thai Championship.
“What we witnessed tonight was nothing short of extraordinary. The energy, the skill, the sheer passion from all the fighters—this event has set a new standard for Muay Thai in the Arab world. We’ve shown that Abu Dhabi is not just a participant but a leader in the global Muay Thai community,” Al Neyadi said.
As the night ended, it was clear that the championship was about more than just the wins and titles. It was a celebration of the Arab Muay Thai community coming together to honor excellence, resilience, and the bright future ahead.
“Tonight, we witnessed the dawn of a new era in Arab Muay Thai. This championship will not only be remembered for its champions but for the way it has brought our community together in pursuit of greatness. I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead,” Al Neyadi said.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
