The UAE National Team impressed at the first-ever Asian Mixed Martial Arts (AMMA) Youth Championship in Bahrain, clinching four medals and finishing fourth in the overall national rankings—despite sending only five athletes.
Held at Khalifa Sports City in Manama from August 29 to 30, the championship brought together the continent’s brightest young talents in a landmark event for the sport. Organised under the supervision of the Asian MMA Association, the competition was the first of its kind at a continental level, signaling a new chapter for youth combat sports across Asia.
A Golden Moment for Emirati MMA
Leading the charge for the UAE was Omar Alraeesi, who secured gold in the under-18 Traditional MMA men’s -60kg division. His dominant performance capped a successful campaign for the Emirati contingent ahead of the Asian Youth Games in October, also set to be hosted in Bahrain.
“I dedicate this gold medal to our beloved country, its leadership and people,” said Alraeesi. “Participating in the first Asian Youth Championship and reaching the podium reflects the importance of the achievement and the great efforts made by the players in the face of strong competition.”
Silver and Bronze Add to UAE’s Momentum
The team also picked up two silver medals and one bronze:
- Abdulla Aldarmaki – Silver, under-18 Modern MMA men’s -50kg
- Omar Almarzooqi – Silver, under-18 Traditional MMA men’s -65kg
- Ahmad Abdulraheem – Bronze, under-18 Modern MMA men’s -65kg
This performance placed the UAE fourth in the overall standings. The squad achieved this with just five athletes competing against full-strength national teams from across Asia.
Federation Praises Fighters, Eyes Bigger Stage
Mohammed Al Hosani, a member of the MMA Committee of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, described the athletes’ efforts as a pivotal step forward.
“This is a proud moment for the UAE and a testament to the hard work of our young athletes,” Al Hosani said. “Their performance reflects the growth of mixed martial arts in our country and strengthens our commitment to developing the sport at the grassroots level.”
He added:
“The team’s success at the AMMA Youth Championship motivates us to exert maximum efforts for upcoming continental competitions and enhances our chances of reaching the podium at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.”
With the Asian Youth Games approaching, the UAE squad is building the experience and results needed to contend with the top teams in Asia.
