ABU DHABI: The second edition of the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi on Friday will feature matchups between elite jiu-jitsu and grappling stars from around the world.
The competition — first held in October 2023 — has been organized by International Vision Sports Management. It will comprise two main events and two co-main events, along with several other fights.
Mohammed Jassim Al-Hosani, a member of the organizing committee and matchmaker for ADXC, revealed plans to expand the tournament with a third edition in Brazil on March 2.
“As the global capital of jiu-jitsu and grappling, Abu Dhabi is dedicated to providing unparalleled support for this sport and organizing exceptional events that embody the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect,” said Al-Hosani. “We call on all athletes participating in this edition to showcase their skills, and determination, and achieve a noteworthy accomplishment, inspiring future generations of athletes.”
Al-Hosani said several Emirati fighters will take part in the tournament including Mohammed and Omar Al-Suwaidi, as well as Khaled Al-Shehhi, a gold medalist at last year’s Asian Games.
Headlining the event in Abu Dhabi this Friday will be Aljamain Sterling and Chase Hooper.
Sterling, a UFC bantamweight with a title-winning history, will face Hooper, a skilled cage fighter with outstanding jiu-jitsu skills.
Sterling said: “I am super excited for Friday night. Chase Hooper is a tough fighter, a high-level guy. Another highlight is he’s a black belt. I am gonna prove myself in the fight as I seek to end the fight with a submission and showcase my skills in this unique platform.”
Hooper said he wanted to put on a great show. “I am from a small town and a small gym, but here in Abu Dhabi now, I have been training since I was a small kid. I was training hard. I am excited to be doing the sport I love, jiu-jitsu. I can’t be more excited for Friday night.”
In the co-main event, the current Abu Dhabi World Pro champion, Bruno Lima of Portugal, faces off against his 2020 European Open final nemesis, Manuel Ribamar.
Lima said: “I am here to show that my place is here. I may not be the most famous guy, but in the end, my jiu-jitsu always proves itself, and I can’t wait to prove it once again.”
Ribamar said: “I am very happy to have been chosen to participate in this edition of the tournament. I am also pleased that the next event will be held in my country, Brazil, which will give the Brazilian players a showcase of skills and open new horizons. I believe they will be excited to participate.
“I am confident that I am fully prepared to fight the fight, despite being the first time fighting inside the cage, but jiu-jitsu skills remain the most important factor, and I look forward to showcasing my special style and skills in defense and attack.”
