Latest news with #971FC
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Arab and UAE-based warriors set to battle at 971 Fighting Championship 2 in Dubai
All eyes will be on Dubai this June as 971 Fighting Championship 2 explodes into the Coca-Cola Arena, bringing a high-octane night of mixed martial arts action to the heart of the UAE. Founded by UFC veteran Mounir Lazzez, 971FC is fast becoming a flagship platform for showcasing Arab talent and international prospects in the Middle East. The upcoming event on June 14 is no exception, with a stacked card headlined by undefeated phenom Muhammad Mokaev (14-0, 1 NC), and the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov's protégé Saygid Izagakhmaev (22-2). In the main event, Briton-based Russian athlete Mokaev faces Kazakhstan's Alisher Gabdullin (15-4) in a high-stakes flyweight clash while in the co-main, Izagakhmaev meets Congo's Pupanga Tresor (10-3) in a welterweight bout that's expected to deliver fireworks. But it's not just the main events drawing attention — the undercard is packed with Arab fighters and UAE-based contenders ready to leave their mark: Ahmed 'The Prince' Fares (21-8) of Egypt returns to the 971FC cage following a highlight-reel standing guillotine win against Finland's Jerry Kvarnstrom in the first round at 2:33 on May 4, 2024. A fan favourite across the region, Fares will battle Colombia's Eduardo Mora (9-6-2), who fights out of the Abu Dhabi Martial Arts Academy (ADMA) as a resident coach. Tough Test Elie 'The Wolverine' Mansour (2-0), a Dubai-based Lebanese lightweight, steps up for his toughest test yet against Georgia's Bondo Meskhi, who has demonstrated a strong foundation in wrestling and a physical, pressure-heavy fighting style. Mansour's sharp striking and cage control have earned him a strong local fan following — now he'll look to remain unbeaten on what he calls home soil. Yazan Jaber, representing Jordan, brings clean striking and a calm, composed style to his bout with England's Grant Ogborne who brings his trademark grit and boxing skills to the cage. This matchup is a showcase of rising Middle Eastern talent vs European grit. A brawl could be on the cards when Japhet Dequito, a promising fighter from Manila, Philippines faces UK's Max Flynn, who lives and trains in Dubai. Both lightweights are known for pressure and power. High-Octane Showdow In the featherweight ranks Tunisia's Maazri Ammar (2-1-1) enters a high-octane showdown with India's Suraj Singh Patel (1-0) in a matchup of pressure versus precision. Meanwhile, Egypt's Mohamed Salem (7-2-2), a former national champ with deep regional roots, clashes with Poland's Łukasz Szala — a wild, rangy welterweight with knockout power. From seasoned veterans to regional hopefuls, 971 Fighting Championship 2 is more than just a fight night — it's a celebration of the UAE's role as a growing epicentre for global MMA, blending local pride with an international flavour. Tickets are now on sale at the Coca-Cola Arena, Platinum List, and Virgin Megastore. At A Glance When: Saturday, June 14, 2025, Where: Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
USA Today
07-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Muhammad Mokaev makes MMA return in 971 FC's June main event in Dubai
Muhammad Mokaev makes MMA return in 971 FC's June main event in Dubai Muhammad Mokaev has remained active since parting ways with the UFC. After leaving the UFC, Mokaev has competed in grappling, MMA, and Karate Combat. In his return to BRAVE FC, the undefeated flyweight submitted Joevincent So in the first round this past December. He then scored a second-round knockout over Bolat Zamanbekov at Karate Combat 54 this past Friday. Now, Mokaev (13-0) will look to continue his run in MMA when he takes on Kazakhstan's Alisher Gabdullin (15-4) in a bantamweight bout, which headlines 971 Fighting Championship June 14 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, promotion officials announced Tuesday. Mokaev went 7-0 in the UFC from March 2022 to July 2024, and was on the cusp of title contention before the promotion decided to part ways with him.
