Latest news with #MounirLazzez
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.
Gulf Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
World's top fighters to compete at 971 MMA Championship in Dubai
The '971' Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championship is set to bring together some of the world's top fighters in a series of highly anticipated bouts. The event, held under the patronage of the Dubai Sports Council, will take place on June 14 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Mounir Lazzez, Chairman of the Organizing Committee—and the first Tunisian and Arab fighter to secure a professional win in the UFC—confirmed that fans of combat sports can expect a night of elite-level action featuring international stars. He described the organization of the '971' Championship as a new milestone in his journey, aimed at developing the sport in the region and offering rising talents the opportunity to shine alongside global champions. He also emphasised that choosing Dubai as the host city reflects its world-class sports infrastructure and ongoing governmental support for combat sports. The championship will feature 14 diverse bouts, including a mix of rising local talent and renowned international fighters. The support of the Dubai Sports Council for this event underscores its commitment to major global sporting events—especially in MMA, which has seen a surge in popularity both regionally and worldwide. This event continues Dubai's successful legacy of hosting premier MMA tournaments in recent years.
