MMA

The growing Emirati MMA star Zamzam al Hammadi is shining

Published

1 year ago

April 24, 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates -Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most inventive sports league in the world, has announced signing Zamam al HammadiA brisk star of mixed martial arts (MMA) from the United Arab Emirates.

“I am glad that I have signed a contract with PFL Mena and it is a pleasure to be part of the PFL family,” he said Al Hammadi. “I am glad that I can represent my country on a global scene such as PFL and Inshallah, God will lend a hand me achieve all my dreams.”

17-year-old Al Hammadi He is an arranged Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA player with the victories of the Championships in the IMMAF World Championships Immaf and Jjif World Youth Championships in 2023. He currently has a 2-0 record in an amateur MMA.

Al Hammadi She comes from the family of fighting artists, as her mother, she is a practitioner of judo and jiu-jitsu, while her sister Ghala is also a decorated grappler and MMA warrior.

“We are excited that we can bring one of the fastest emerging newborn stars, not only in the Middle East, but also in the world, in Zamezam al Hammadi,” said JErome Mazet, general director of PFL Mena. “At such a newborn age, Zamzam already has experience in the world championships and we are excited that we have it on the PFL Mena list. One of the goals of PFL Mena is to present home talent, and there is no better example than Zamzam, which will be a huge inspiration for all aspiring newborn talents from ZAA and Middle Wschód.

Al Hammadi He is expected to present his world -class skills in amateur duels in the upcoming PFL Mena season. He follows in the footsteps of Hattan Alaifa Saudi Arabia, who became the first woman from the country who signed with a gigantic MMA promotion in 2024.

MMA

UFC Abu Dhabi results: Ankalaev vs. Guskov

Published

2 hours ago

July 25, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

UFC Abu Dhabi results: Ankalaev vs. Guskov

UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev v Guskov Ceremonial Weigh-in

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 24: (L-R) Opponents Magomed Ankalaev of Russia and Bogdan Guskov of Uzbekistan face off during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at Etihad Arena on July 24, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)

MMA

PFL D.C. Results: Jean vs. Rodriguez

Published

5 hours ago

July 25, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

MMA Fighting has PFL D.C. results for the Jean vs. Rodriguez fight card from CareFirst Arena, Washington, D.C on Saturday night.

In the main event, Thad Jean takes on late-notice replacement Ernesto Rodriguez for the vacant PFL welterweight title. The 2025 PFL welterweight champion, Jean was originally scheduled to face 2024 PFL champion Shamil Musaev in the bout, but Musaev withdrew this week, allowing Rodriguez, who was booked to fight Aaron McKenzie on the undercard, to step in.

A light heavyweight slugfest between Tyson Pedro and Rafael Xavier serves as the co-main event.

The PFL D.C. prelim card kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the main card following at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Check out the PFL D.C. results below.

Main Card (10 p.m. ET on ESPN)

Thad Jean vs. Ernesto Rodriguez â€” Vacant welterweight title fight

Tyson Pedro vs. Rafael Zavier

Sullivan Cauley vs. Rasul Magomedov

Eliezer Kubanza vs. Chris Mixan

Preliminary Card (8 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

Michael Cyr vs. Bryce Meredith

Nkosi Ndebele vs. Brandon Davis

Chad Yard vs. Coby Bradford

Noah Hermosillo vs. Jacob Pais

MMA

UFC Abu Dhabi loses fight hours before event

Published

6 hours ago

July 25, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

UFC Abu Dhabi loses fight hours before event

UFC Abu Dhabi has taken a late just before the event was set to kick off.

Saturday's Fight Night card will go down with only 12 bouts after the cancellation of a main card bout between Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman, the promotion announced just hours before the start of the event.

According to the promotion, Dulatov was forced off the welterweight bout due to illness. On a statement posted on Dulatov's social media Saturday morning, his team revealed the fighter had to be hospitalized on Friday.

â€œLast night, Islam was admitted to the hospital due to an infection and spent several hours receiving medical treatment,â€ the statement read. â€œDespite every effort to keep the fight on, the decision was made together with the UFC to withdraw him from the bout in the interest of his health and well-being. Right now, the only priority is for Islam to make a full recovery. He will personally address everyone with a statement as soon as he is able.â€

Dulatov's team added that â€œIslam will use this time to recover completely and will come back stronger than ever.â€

Turman, who was set to make his return to the cage after two and a half years away, sidelined that long due to four shoulder surgeries, said on his social media he wishes Dulatov a quick recovery and hopes for a fast turnaround, re-booking the Dulatov bout or facing a new opponent instead.

The UFC has yet to announce if a fight will be moved to the main card.

Check the updated UFC Abu Dhabi lineup below.

Main Card (Paramount+ at 12 p.m. ET)

Preliminary Card (Paramount+ at 9 a.m. ET)