Abu Dhabi — The UAE Federation of Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts has completed all preparations for the seventh edition of the UAE National MMA Championships, which will be held on February 7-8 at Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai.
The championship will feature a robust line-up of male and female fighters representing top clubs and academies from across the country, as the national competition continues to play a key role in the rapid development of mixed martial arts in the UAE. Organizers also expect a dynamic family presence in the stands, reflecting the sport’s growing reach and growing community support across the country.
The UAE National MMA Championships, the highlight of the Federation’s annual calendar, provide athletes with consistent high-level competition while showcasing the ever-improving technical standards of MMA fighters across the Emirates.
The federation confirmed that the championships will feature comprehensive age categories, which will strengthen the long-term development path of athletes. Categories include youth D (ages 10-11), youth C (12-13 years), youth B (14-15 years), youth A (16-17 years) and an adult category for athletes aged 18 years and over.
HE Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, board member of the United Arab Emirates Federation of Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts, emphasized the importance of this event and its wider impact on the sport.
“The UAE National MMA Championship No. 7 demonstrates how much the sport has evolved in the UAE, with the growing commitment of clubs and academies to develop their fighters through organized preparations. The Federation continues to support this progress by providing regular competitions and training opportunities, guided by a clear plan to build robust national teams capable of competing internationally.
“The role that families play in supporting their sons and daughters from the stands is equally significant as it creates an environment where sporting passion is combined with family support. This is in line with the vision of the UAE leadership to declare 2026 the Year of the Family.”
With a robust organizational framework, broad participation and competitive intensity, the UAE National MMA Championship No. 7 further highlights the growing profile of mixed martial arts in the country and a structured pathway to educating the next generation of athletes capable of achieving success on the international stage.
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 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 — Vacant welterweight title fight
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.
“Last night, Islam was admitted to the hospital due to an infection and spent several hours receiving medical treatment,†the statement read. “Despite 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 “Islam 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.