Dubai to host third UAE National MMA Championship

The UAE National MMA Championship will take place on April 12-13 in Dubai. (UAEJJF)
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Updated 09 April 2025
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Dubai to host third UAE National MMA Championship

  • Tournament will take place from April 12–13 at Shabab Al-Ahli Club in Dubai

ABU DHABI: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation has announced that the third edition of the UAE National MMA Championship will take place on April 12-13 at Shabab Al-Ahli Club in Dubai.

The championship is part of the federation’s efforts to promote mixed martial arts nationwide, and provide a competitive platform for identifying and developing emerging talent.

The third edition is expected to draw wide participation from male and female athletes representing clubs and academies across the UAE, reflecting the championship’s growing significance in the national sports calendar.

It will feature several age divisions, starting with Youth D (ages 10–11), followed by Youth C (ages 12–13), Youth B (ages 14–15), Youth A (ages 16–17) and the Adults category (ages 18 and above).

The federation said that the weight divisions for each age group have been approved in line with international standards, ensuring fair competition among athletes within the same category. The approved competition format is also designed to raise the overall level of performance by motivating athletes to perform at their peak. At the end of the championship, the top athletes in each age and weight category will be crowned.

Mohammed Jassim Al-Hosani, a member of the federation’s Mixed Martial Arts Committee, said: “The UAE National MMA Championship is an important part of the federation’s championship calendar, as it helps us achieve both technical and strategic goals. It gives athletes the chance to test their skills in a competitive setting that meets international standards, and it helps us discover and support new talent through well-structured development programs.”

Al-Hosani added that the strong participation in the past two editions of the championship shows the federation’s success in building a strong group of athletes and boosting the UAE’s reputation as a leader in mixed martial arts, regionally and globally.


Top Saudi teams set for ESL Saudi Challenge 2026 finals

Updated 26 January 2026
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Top Saudi teams set for ESL Saudi Challenge 2026 finals

  • Leading esports teams feature in competition

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s leading esports teams will go head-to-head later this week as the ESL Saudi Challenge 2026 reaches its decisive stages, underlining the Kingdom’s growing ambition to develop local talent and strengthen its professional gaming ecosystem.

Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, the tournament is designed to provide Saudi players with a clear pathway into elite-level competition while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for gaming and esports.

The online phase of the Overwatch 2 competition took place on Jan. 23-24, with the action set to culminate in a live LAN final on Jan. 30 at EFG Studios in Riyadh.

The competition features a total prize pool of $20,000, offering a significant incentive for emerging Saudi esports talent and reflecting the rising professionalism of the Kingdom’s national scene.

The lineup for the second stage has now been confirmed, blending established names with ambitious newcomers. Defending champions Twisted Minds return to defend their title against Kurohana, Newgens, and Lunar Crew, who secured their places through the qualification rounds. With only three teams progressing to the finals, the stakes remain high on the national stage.

Franck Guignery, senior vice president and managing director for the Middle East and Africa at EFG, said: “The ESL Saudi Challenge represents an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to the Saudi esports community.

“Through this competition we aim to empower Saudi players to refine their skills and demonstrate their potential within a high-stakes, professional environment, while contributing meaningfully to the development of a sustainable ecosystem that enables local talent to progress from national competition to global stages.”

The ESL Saudi Challenge aligns with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, supporting talent development and the long-term growth of the Kingdom’s gaming and esports sector.

Positioned as a Saudi-focused competitive platform, the tournament forms part of EFG’s long-term approach to reinforcing professional standards, enabling talent progression, and fostering community-driven competition.

Through initiatives such as the ESL Saudi Challenge, EFG aims to ensure that Saudi esports talent is equipped to compete successfully not only at home, but also on regional and international stages.