MMA
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
Published
2 months agoon
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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Gyms thrive when they create a forceful identity that members recognize and respect. Branded merchandise can reinforce this identity every time someone wears a shirt or sports bag. Members feel proud to represent a gym that supports their training goals and lifestyle. This visibility enhances the gym’s presence within the facility and among the local fitness community. Let’s take a look at why gyms benefit from selling branded merchandise and why yours should start this initiative.
Turn your members into a walking promotion
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Create additional revenue streams
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Many gyms overlook how to do this custom promotional products grow your business through consistent sales with low effort. This approach ensures financial stability while supporting long-term growth.
Strengthen member loyalty and community
Branded merchandise creates a sense of belonging that keeps members engaged. Competitors and athletes often have a deep connection with their gym, and wearing branded equipment strengthens this connection.
A shared identity builds camaraderie across classes, skill levels and disciplines. Sturdy communities retain members longer and encourage them to invite their friends to the gym.
Support players and competitive teams
Combat sports gyms often send athletes to competitions where branding plays a key role. Athletes wearing gym uniforms represent their training camp with pride and professionalism. Visibility increases a gym’s reputation regionally and nationally. A consistent brand presence helps gyms stand out in crowded fight scenes.
Popular Swag items that perform well
Gyms should focus on practical and robust items that members exploit regularly. Functional equipment increases visibility while providing real value to customers. Consider offering items that align with your workout routines and lifestyle habits, such as:
- Branded protectors and combat shorts for training and competition.
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These products combine utility with promotion, making them effortless to sell and widely used.
Improve your professional image and credibility
A gym that sells consistent, well-designed products appears organized and professional. This perception matters when attracting grave athletes and potential partners. Tidy branding signals that the gym takes training, coaching and business operations seriously. Credibility increases when a brand looks consistent across apparel, social media and events.
Gyms that invest in branded gadgets position themselves for stronger growth and recognition. Goods build identity, boost revenues, and strengthen social bonds between members. Combat sports environments benefit even more from noticeable branding due to their competitive and social nature.
MMA
BRAVE CF returns to Slovenia on June 6 with two world title fights at Hala Tivoli BRAVE CF returns to Slovenia with two explosive world title fights in Ljubljana
Published
2 days agoon
April 22, 2026
LUBLANA, Slovenia — BRAVE Combat Federation returns to Slovenia with a championship show Saturday, June 6at Hala Tivoli in cooperation with World Freefight Challenge.
this groundbreaking event will take place two fights for the BRAVE CF world championshipand the heavyweight and airy heavyweight titles will be at stake in an event that promises to be one of the organization’s most significant European events in 2026.
Pavel Dailidko defends the heavyweight crown against Miha Frlic
In the main event, reigning BRAVE CF Heavyweight World Champion Pavel Dailidko will face undefeated No. 1 ranked contender Miha Frlic.
Known as “The Experiment”, Dailidko enters the fight in impressive style Record 11-2and each of his victories ended by knockout.
Since joining BRAVE CF in 2022, the Lithuanian powerhouse has disappeared 6-1winning the inaugural heavyweight championship at the event BRAVE CF 88 in September 2024 after stopping Patryk Dubiela in the first round.
He recently defended his title at the gala BRAVE CF 99 in Vilnius, stopping Grégory Robinet in less than one round.
“I have worked tirelessly to reach this level and I am still far from finished,” Dailidko declared.
Opposite him is a challenger from his hometown of Frlic, who brings an unblemished presence 7-0-1 record for the biggest fight of his career.
The Slovenian challenger deserved to fight for the title BRAVE CF 104 in February, knocking out Samuele Di Guardo in the first round.
“This is the moment I’ve been working for my entire career. Competing for the world title in front of my people is an incredible honor,” said Frlic.
Erko Jun vs. Mohamed Said Maalem main event main event
In the co-main event, Erko Jun will defend the BRAVE CF airy heavyweight world title in a rematch with Mohamed Said Maalem.
Their first meeting at BRAVE CF 81 in April 2024 ended quickly as Jun scored a quick knockout victory.
Now the competition resumes for the championship.
Said Maalem has been one of the most experienced BRAVE CF veterans since 2019, and previously took part in world title fights.
“This is more than just a rematch for me; it’s a chance to make amends for the past and prove that I belong to the top,” said Said Maalem.
Jun returns to defend his crown after failing to become a two-division champion in BRAVE CF 96 in June 2025, where he challenged Mohammad Fakhreddine for the vacant middleweight title.
Earlier, the Bosnian striker won the airy heavyweight belt BRAVE CF 88 with a dominant performance over Alexander Wesner.
“I’m not just defending my world title; I’m defending the standards I set in this division,” Jun said.
“On June 6, I intend to impose my rhythm, control the distance and show that my evolution as a fighter has only made me more perilous.”
BRAVE CF’s return to Slovenia carries huge stakes
With two world championships on the horizon, BRAVE CF’s return to Slovenia is more than just another fight card.
It’s a decisive night where champions defend their legacy and challengers chase history.
On June 6, only the elite will survive at Hala Tivoli in Ljubljana.
MMA
John “Scrappy” Ramirez waits for a title shot as Bam Rodriguez weighs promotion John “Scrappy” Ramirez waits for Bam Rodriguez as the path to the title remains unclear
Published
3 days agoon
April 21, 2026
Los Angeles – John Ramirez has no shortage of ambition, but his path to a world title may depend on decisions beyond his control.
The No. 1 ranked WBA super flyweight fighter is currently in a tough situation as unified champion Jesse Rodriguez weighs a potential weight enhance. If “Bam” vacates the belt, Ramirez will finally be able to get his long-awaited chance at gold.
“I haven’t achieved my goal yet.”
Despite his rise in the rankings, Ramirez is still fueled by unfinished business.
“I have had some unique experiences over the last five years,” Ramirez said. “Deep down, I haven’t achieved my goal yet. I’m isolated and focused on this (winning the world title). I’ve had extra time to travel and train with friends like Regis Prograis in Texas to learn more and stay powerful.”
The Los Angeles native is positioned as one of the top contenders in the division, but the championship picture remains murky and uncertain.
I’m waiting for “Bam” Rodriguez
Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KO) currently holds unified championship titles in the entire league WBA, WBO and WBC in the super flyweight division. However, there is still speculation that he could move up to bantamweight in the face of fresh challenges.
Reports link Rodriguez to a potential fight with Antonio Vargas in June, while leaving the door open to a blockbuster fight with Japanese pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue.
This uncertainty has created a bottleneck for players like Ramirez.
Be ready despite the uncertainty
Ramirez admits that waiting isn’t basic, but he remains focused on growing and staying vigorous.
“I just have to continue to trust the process in boxing. As a fighter, I don’t like to sit and wait for pieces to move. We have a plan that has options. Regardless of the situation, I will continue to improve and, most importantly, continue to win.”
Ramirez, 29, is in great shape and is determined not to let inactivity stunt his momentum.
Narrow options at the top
Even beyond the WBA title picture, the odds remain complicated.
IBF champion Wilbaldo Garcia Perez currently has a defense scheduled, while other potential opponents are either unavailable or tough to obtain due to rankings and promotion dynamics.
A high-profile fight against future Hall of Famer Roman Gonzalez has been announced, but activity and scheduling concerns make that fight uncertain.
Lessons from his lone defeat
Ramirez’s only professional loss came in 2024 to David Jimenez in a fight for the WBA interim title. He openly admits that it was a learning experience for him.
Since then, he has focused on growth, maturity and preparation for fresh opportunities.
“We will have answers to all these questions in due time.”
While the split resolves itself, Ramirez remains patient and disciplined.
“It’s not an basic task,” Ramirez admitted. “All these questions will be answered in due time. I can’t fight the unknown. I will continue to train strenuous, eat right and surround myself with good people.”
“I am grateful to my promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, for providing me with the right opportunities, and also to my manager (David Shu, 3 Point Management) who has given me the best fights since I turned pro. And of course to my trainer, Julian Chua… I see him every day and he has sacrificed so much for me.”
What’s next for Ramirez?
Ramirez last fought on January 16, earning a decision victory over Byron Rojas and maintaining his position as a top contender.
For now, his future depends on Rodriguez’s next move and how the super flyweight division shapes up in the coming months.
But one thing is clear: when the opportunity arises, “Scrappy” plans to be ready.
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