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Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Mokaev faces Assis as 971FC gears up for blockbuster fight card
971FC, the UAE's fastest-growing fight promotion, takes the Coca-Cola Arena by storm on Saturday, for a landmark night of international combat sports and entertainment. With 14 explosive bouts, elite fighters in the main and co-main events, and a headline live performance by hip-hop legend Lloyd Banks, this is more than a fight night – it's a cultural event. This event is officially sold out, marking it as one of the most anticipated sporting spectacles of the year. The spotlight shines bright as Muhammad Mokaev faces off against Thomas Assis in the main event, a thrilling bantamweight bout set to headline an action-packed fight night. In a major shakeup, undefeated British-Dagestani phenom Mokaev (14-0) faces off against Brazilian submission expert with an 11-fight win streak Assis (12-2). A former IMMAF world champion and UFC veteran, Mokaev is known for his relentless pressure and Olympic-level wrestling. Assis, who hails from Coari in Brazil and trains out of RCT Coari, is riding a win streak and brings a gritty, aggressive grappling style that promises a chess match on the ground. Russian powerhouse and sambo technician Raimond Magomedaliev (10-2) returns to action, looking to impose his dominant top game against seasoned Brazilian striker Andrey 'Mineiro' Augusto (17-9-1) in the co-main event. Augusto is known for his durability and knockout power and will look to test the Russian's chin and composure under fire.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Northcliff High MMA prodigy strikes gold and hearts
From the gym mats of his family's grappling academy, to the international stage, Caleb Swart's journey is a story of will. The Northcliff High School student recently seized the spotlight by winning a gold medal in the youth A welterweight 77.1kg division at the prestigious International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Africa Championships in Angola this past May. Read more: Judo star's strength and skill rewarded But for Caleb, this victory is far more than a medal; it's a milestone on a path he has been walking steadily since childhood. Guided by his father and coach, Wiekus Swart, Caleb's training regime is intense and disciplined, spanning five to six hours most days of the week, and blending strength, fitness, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai. 'We spar daily, grapple, and drill a variety of MMA techniques,' Caleb shared. Yet amidst the grind, there's a heartfelt dedication. 'This gold medal confirms that all the hard work and dedication I've put in is paying off. It motivates me to focus even more on the world championships in Abu Dhabi in July.' Also read: Seido Karate Johannesburg student shows her moves MMA has been a cornerstone of Caleb's life since he was five years old. Growing up immersed in a family environment where Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA were part of everyday life, he embraced the sport, not just as a competitor, but as a source of confidence and life lessons. 'MMA has taught me that discipline and focus truly pay off. In the cage, there's very little luck. What you put in is what you get out.' His love for the sport was first sparked when he watched his father referee EFC matches on TV, and later, through the exhilaration of attending events, meeting fighters, and even assisting backstage. 'I've always been incredibly physical and love activities where I can express that energy. MMA felt like the perfect fit.' Now, with the world championships and beyond in his sights, he is forging a path of greatness, dominating on the mat. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Faith – the judo warrior
Arab News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Ain to host 6th IMMAF Youth World Championships in July
ABU DHABI: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation has announced that the sixth IMMAF Youth World Championships will be held in Al-Ain Region for the first time from July 21-27. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The tournament will be staged at the Al-Ain Convention Center with more than 1,000 male and female athletes from 60 countries competing in the championship's largest event to date. The championship, organized by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, or IMMAF, and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation for the fourth year in a row, serves as a global platform to discover emerging talents in mixed martial arts and to strengthen the UAE's position as a leading international sports destination. The championship is the culmination of a long-standing collaboration between IMMAF and the UAEJJF, with a prior agreement extended last year to continue hosting the event in Abu Dhabi for three more years, from 2025 to 2027. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al-Dhaheri, UAE Jiu-Jitsu and IMMAF board member, said: 'We are committed to delivering an exceptional edition of the championship and take pride in hosting top emerging talents from around the world. 'This underlines the UAE's strong position as a prime platform for organizing and hosting big international competitions and a desirable destination for athletes worldwide. This tournament builds on the nation's successful sporting events, which have received considerable international praise. It also plays an important role in our attempts to expand the sport within the country by motivating our athletes to excel and earn top honors. 'The selection of Al-Ain Region is due to its historical significance, rich cultural heritage, tourist attractions and natural landscapes, which complement the championship's dynamic atmosphere to offer an unprecedented experience for participants and spectators,' he added. Kerrith Brown, IMMAF president, said: 'The IMMAF Youth World Championships continue to set the global benchmark for youth development in mixed martial arts, and we're proud to see the event grow year after year. This year, we're honored to bring the championships to the world-class Al-Ain Convention Center in collaboration with the UAE MMA Federation, marking an exciting new chapter for IMMAF. 'With over 1,000 youth athletes expected to compete, the 2025 edition will be our largest yet. It's a powerful statement about the future of MMA, and I look forward to witnessing the next generation of stars take center stage.'
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
JJ Karagiannidis reaches quarter-finals at the IMMAF Africa Championships
Team Angola IMMAF Team Angola continue to dominate at this year's IMMAF Africa Championships, currently topping the medals table with 35 in total. Photo: IMMAF South Africa's JJ Karagiannidis has advanced to the quarter-finals of this year's Senior Men's Featherweight category at the IMMAF Africa Championships, after his opponent was a no-show on Day 3 in Luanda, Angola. On Wednesday at the Pavilhão Multiusos do Kilamba, two fights were set to take place in Round 16 of the Juniors and Seniors categories. However, the Republic of Congo's Vang-Si Yvan Nzaou failed to show up for his contest with the 2024 IMMAF Africa Junior Featherweight champion, Karagiannidis. The only successful match-up on Day 3 was in the same category between Cameroon's Arafat Nouhou and Angola's Rodrigo Cangoma. After three hard-fought rounds, it was the 21-year-old Cangoma, who took home the spoils with a unanimous decision win over his older opponent. Today, in the Juniors and Seniors Quarter-finals, Karagiannidis will face Zambia's Nathan Mufwaya at 11.24am (CAT), while his fellow Men's Featherweight opponents battle it out around the same time. Two athletes have already made it to the next round after two more no-shows were registered this morning on the SmoothComp website. Zimbabwe's Itai Chanyuka and Congo's Jelais Kitoubou Foubu failed to show up for their bouts against Angola's Clelio Diogo and Zambia's Jarcel Chimbwe, respectively. In Thursday's other fixtures, the Flyweights, Super Lightweights, Lightweights, and Super Welterweights will battle in the quarters for a shot at the next round. Karagiannidis will aim to carry the South African flag high today and put another smile on his father, renowned EFC official Bobby Karagiannidis' face. On Day 2, JJ's sister Caitey Karagiannidis claimed South Africa's first gold of the tournament after beating Cameroon's Adjanie Benjamin Zanga in their Youth Women's Strawweight (52.2kg) category in Angola's capital city of Luanda. 'I feel amazing. It does not even feel real,' said Karagiannidis. 'This is an incredible feeling and moment for me. I am excited to see my brother win a gold medal, too. Let's go,' referring to her brother JJ, who will compete today. Caiden Bouwer was the next South African to win gold after beating his teammate Dante Damico in their Youth Men's Lightweight (70.3kg) final. Bouwer was followed up by Caleb Swart, who stood tallest on the podium in his Youth Men's Welterweight division after beating Angola's Obedy Sebastiao Antonio in their final.
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Caitey and Caiden make their dad's proud at IMMAF Africa Champs
SUCCESS Caitey Karagiannidis was full of smiles after earning South Africa's first gold at this year's IMMAF Africa Championships in the Youth A division. Picture: IMMAF It was a memorable moment for Karagiannidis, who not only flew the SA flag high but also her family name. Caitey is the daughter of renowned EFC and IMMAF official Bobby Karagiannidis and sibling to IMMAF Africa 2024 champion JJ Karagiannidis. Mzansi's Caitey Karagiannidis broke the 'golden' ice for her nation after beating Cameroon's Adjanie Benjamin Zanga in their Youth Women's Strawweight (52.2kg) category in Angola's capital city of Luanda. Team Angola once again shone on the medals table, bagging 14 medallions (6 gold, five silver, and three bronze), followed by Team South Africa, with gold (3) and two silver medals. Day two of the IMMAF Africa Championships introduced the Youth A (16 - 17 years old) division to the Pavilhão Multiusos do Kilamba in Angola yesterday. South African Fighters Shine with Multiple Gold Medals at African MMA Championships 'I feel amazing. It does not even feel real,' said Karagiannidis. 'This is an incredible feeling and moment for me. I am excited to see my brother win a golden medal, too. Let's go,' referring to her brother JJ, who will compete today. Caiden Bouwer was the next South African to win gold after beating his teammate Dante Damico in their Youth Men's Lightweight (70.3kg) final. Another well-known brand within African MMA and the EFC, Referee Wiekus Swart, will also be smiling from ear to ear as his son Caleb stood tallest on the podium in his Youth Men's Welterweight division after beating Angola's Obedy Sebastiao Antonio in their final. In the Youth Men's Featherweight division (65.8kg), Leandro Freitas bagged the silver medal after facing Angola's Manuel Domingos in their final fight. The 2024 International Mixed Martial Arts Federation's youth athlete of the year, Mayra Lemos, showcased her skill and potential once again on the continental platform when she beat Cameroon's Yelena Nkoassan in their Youth Women's Bantamweight (61.2kg) weight class. Lemos has repeatedly proven that she can achieve great things on the global stage. It was also heartwarming to see the growth of Cameroonian and Mauritian MMA. Cameroon continues to become a familiar fixture on the podium with each passing event, and Mauritius secured their first-ever gold medal at this tournament when Aveer Jootun beat Dinis Dinga Bravo in their Youth B Men's (72kg) final. IOL Sport
