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Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club wins the Hafeet Sport Challenge Championship Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club wins first place in the Hafeet Sport Challenge Championship

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2 weeks ago

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Al Ain, United Arab Emirates – Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club delivered a dominant performance in the prestigious Hafeet Sport Challenge, securing first place in the jiu-jitsu competition. Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club finished second overall and Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club finished third after the championships concluded on Friday at Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club.

The event attracted immense participation of athletes under 14, 16 and 18 years of age, representing leading clubs and academies from the United Arab Emirates. Competing in an open lane format, athletes showcased high-intensity matches featuring a variety of technical styles and tactical adjustments. The format raised the level of competition, challenging participants from all age groups to perform at the highest level.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain region, the Hafeet Sport Challenge is the largest sports event in Al Ain. The multi-sport festival features over 4,000 athletes competing in 36 disciplines, highlighting the region’s robust commitment to sports and youth development.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Federation of Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts in the United Arab Emirates, emphasized the growing importance of jiu-jitsu in social sports initiatives.

He said the inclusion of jiu-jitsu in the Hafeet Sport Challenge reflects the sport’s growing role in promoting a hearty lifestyle. He noted that in the “Year of the Family”, the championships have additional significance, encouraging sports as a shared family activity and helping newborn athletes develop discipline and self-confidence. He added that the Federation’s goal is to incorporate jiu-jitsu into everyday family life, supporting the development of a physically and mentally balanced generation.

Saeed Abdullah Ahmed Al Jabri, member of the Hafeet Sport Challenge senior organizing committee, highlighted the event’s inclusive platform.

He said the championship brings together multiple sports and age groups under one roof, offering athletes a wide range of competition opportunities. He added that jiu-jitsu features prominently in the program due to its growing popularity and high competition standards, contributing to a well-rounded sports experience that reflects Al Ain’s robust sports culture.

Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club coach Zayed Al Kaabi described the tournament as a valuable benchmark for the evaluation and development of players.

He said about 150 athletes from various divisions had signed up for the club. He added: “The open lane format allows athletes of different levels to compete against each other, which helps them improve and gain experience, especially in the youth categories. We sent a number of athletes to give them a chance to compete and test their readiness, and our goal was to perform well and fight for the title.”

Parents also noticed the positive impact of the championships. Omar Mohammed Bashir, father of Amir from Al Ain’s under-14 team, shared his perspective.

He said his son’s participation boosted his confidence and ability to deal with competition. He added: “In this championship, we saw a change in how Amir handled competition. He was more focused and composed before matches and more accepting of the results. As a family, being there and supporting him made a massive difference and encouraged him to constantly improve.”

Bronze medalist Rashid Mohammed Al Hammadi from Al Ain Club, who finished third in the U16-55kg category, described the experience as challenging but rewarding.

He said: “I faced opponents with different styles and had to stay focused and adapt in each match. The open lane system gave me the chance to compete at different levels, which helped me gain experience and improve. I’m cheerful to win a medal and thank my coaches for their support.”

The championships concluded in a highly competitive atmosphere and with a immense spectator turnout, reflecting the continued growth of jiu-jitsu in local sporting events in Al Ain and across the UAE.

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UFC Vegas 114 Odds: Kevin Vallejos vs Josh Emmett Las Vegas Fight Night HeadlinesUFC Vegas 114 Odds: Kevin Vallejos vs Josh Emmett Las Vegas Fight Night Headlines

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1 day ago

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March 5, 2026

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(Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

In a classic veteran vs. prospect matchup, 11th-seeded Josh Emmett will headline UFC Vegas 114 against 13th-seeded Kevin Vallejos.

The exhilarating featherweight clash pitting the power of Emmett against the rising power of Vallejos will take place on March 14, 2026 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

BetOnline.ag he opened odds for the 14 fights on the card, which you’ll find below.

If you are able to utilize this information, please consider citing the source.

UFC Vegas odds can be seen here: https://www.betonline.ag/sportsbook/martial-arts/mma/ufc-vegas-114

UFC Las Vegas 114

Josh Emmett +365

Kevin Vallejos -465

Amanda Lemos +205

Gillian Robertson -240

Ion Cutelaba +170

Oumar Sy-200

Harry Hardwick +150

Marwan Rahiki -175

Chris Curtis +205

Myktybek Orołbai -240

Steven Asplund +170

Vitor Petrino -200

Bruno Silva +175

Charles Johnson -205

Eryk Anders +115

Brad Tavares -135

Montserrat Rendon +350

Bia Mosque -450

SuYoung You +210

Elijah Smith -250

Sam Hughes +140

Piera Rodriguez -160

Luan Lacerda +200

Hecher Sosa -235

Bolaji Oki +295

Manoel Sousa -370

Others Fili +180

Jose Delgado -210

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MMA

LFA 231: Elijah Johns vs. Taner Trembley headlines featherweight match in MinnesotaLFA 231: Elijah Johns vs. Taner Trembley in first featherweight match in Minnesota

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2 days ago

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March 5, 2026

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LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) returns to Minnesota for another key night of mixed martial arts action.

LFA president Ed Soares confirmed that the promotion will return to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” Friday, April 17with stacked fight cards scheduled to take place at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.

upcoming event, LFA 231: Trembley vs. Johnspresented by Monster Energy, the main attraction of which will be a fierce featherweight fight between former LFA champion Elijah Johns (10-3) and undefeated prospect from Minnesota Taner Trembley (6-0).

Doors to the event will open at 16:30 local timewith a preliminary card starting at 16:45followed by the main card at 20:00 Fans in the United States can watch the action live on VICE TV at 21:00 ET / 18:00 PT.

Tickets for the event are currently available on Ticketmaster.

“Minnesota has become one of our strongest markets and that’s the type of fighting the fans here appreciate,” Soares said. “You have Elijah Johns, a former champion who knows what it takes to win at the highest level in LFA, against Taner Trembley, an undefeated local fighter looking to make a statement in front of his home crowd.”

Former champion Elijah Johns wants to regain his momentum

Former LFA featherweight champion Elijah Johns (10-3) returns to the LFA cage with valuable championship experience and a battle-tested resume.

Throughout his LFA career, Johns has faced elite competition and proven his ability to perform in the radiant lights of a main event. Now trying to get back into title contention, the veteran featherweight looks to derail one of Minnesota’s most promising rising stars.

Undefeated prospect Taner Trembley faces a career-defining test

Opposite Johns will be a hometown favorite Taner Trembley (6-0)who enters the fight with a perfect professional record and growing momentum.

Known for his aggressive fighting style and versatile skill set, Trembley continues to build a reputation as one of the most invigorating prospects in the region. Competing in front of his home crowd at the Mystic Lake Casino hotel, he will try to remain undefeated while achieving the biggest victory of his career.

With a former champion looking for redemption and an undefeated local talent chasing a breakthrough victory, LFA 231 promises an action-packed evening of elite MMA competition in Minnesota.

(Additional fights may be announced)

Main Card

Broadcast on VICE TV and LFA FIGHT NETWORK™ – 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT

Main Event – ​​Featherweight Fight (145 lbs)
Elijah Johns (10-3) vs. Taner Trembley (6-0)

Co-main event – ​​flyweight fight (125 pounds)
Ernesto Ibarra (10-1) vs. Devon Lozej (8-3)

Lightweight fight (155 pounds)
Steve Collins (6-0) vs. Cole Faust (4-1)

Lightweight fight (155 pounds)
Daniel Holt (4-0) vs. Korey Taylor (6-1)

Lightweight fight (155 pounds)
Quintin Richards (5-0) vs. Canon Swanson (5-1-1)

Lightweight fight (155 pounds)
Dzhamal Mavliudov (6-1) vs. Kelton Sneve (5-1)

Featherweight fight (145 pounds)
Beau Samaniego (8-3) vs. Abbas Abasov (5-1)

Catchweight fight (150 pounds)
Miljan Djukanovic (3-0) vs. Noah Gasho (3-0)

Flyweight fight (125 pounds)
Erick Medrano (0-0) vs. Gunnar Nelson (0-0)

Featherweight fight (145 pounds)
Kayara Hartfield (2-1) vs. Jess Hays (0-1)

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MMA

Fight card AKA 53: Championship rivalry headlines March 7 in Lake CharlesAKA 53: Rivalry, redemption and championship dreams collide in Lake Charles

Published

3 days ago

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March 4, 2026

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Lake Charles in Louisiana — AKA 53 Countdown – Hebert vs. Smith 2 it’s not just another fight night. It’s a story of competition, redemption and dreams of championship. Two warriors. Two gymnasiums. Two cities. One gold stripe.

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the cage doors close at the iconic Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, and when it does, all that matters is heart, skill and who wants it more.

In the main event, AKA Lightweight Championship takes center stage at AKA 53 as the reigning champion Elliot Hebert defends his gold against a hungry rival Hunter Smith in gameplay fueled by pride, competition and ambition for mastery. Hebert looks to cement his position at the top of the division with another dominant performance, while Smith steps into the spotlight determined to seize his moment and claim the belt for himself. When the cage doors close at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, it won’t just be about rankings or records – it will be about heart, grit and which lightweight is willing to push further when it matters most.

For a champion, it’s the legacy that counts. For the challenger, it’s about redemption. When the lights shine brightest, there are no excuses. No shortcuts. Just five rounds to define a career. The main event of AKA 53 will be a fierce title fight that perfectly reflects the main theme of the event – redemption vs. reign. The champion enters with a vengeance, continuing his streak of dominance and defending his own field. Opposite him is a challenger who has recovered from defeat, sharpened his tools and returned to competition.

Expect fireworks from the opening bell.

AKA 53 Full Fight Card

Saturday, March 7, 2026
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino – Lake Charles, Los Angeles

MAIN EVENT

  • AKA Lightweight Championship: Elliot Hebert vs. Hunter Smith

MAIN CARD

  • Flyweight fight: Austin Soileau vs. Tyler Forsythe
  • Featherweight fight: Nevan Driehuis vs. Adrian Smith

SUB CARD

  • Amateur Heavyweight Championship: Ayden Bell vs. Marcos Serrano
  • Catchweight 190-pound fight: Justin Carpenter vs. Keegan Williams
  • Welterweight fight: Byron Walker vs. Landon Erickson
  • Middleweight fight: Trey Duhon vs. Julio Melendez

PRELIMATES

  • Featherweight fight: Jake Traver vs. Alex Sibrian
  • KB middleweight fight: Caiden McDowell vs Mathew Barnard
  • KB Featherweight Fight: Jayce Carpenter vs. Darren Stevenson
  • Featherweight fight: Caydin Bass vs. Luis Larrazabal

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