Mohammed Mardi etched his name in history by claiming the Arab Welterweight Championship title with a spectacular performance, a moment he described as “truly unforgettable” in his distinguished career. Mardi’s victory not only earned him the coveted belt but also marked a significant milestone for the UAE at the inaugural Arab Fight Night Muaythai Professional Championship, held at the vibrant Space 42 Arena in Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi.
Reflecting on his journey to the top, Mardi, a three-time world champion, expressed his deep pride: “This title is incredibly special to me, not just because it’s the first of its kind, but because it represents the passion and determination of our nation. Competing against some of the best fighters from the Arab world and emerging victorious is a moment I’ll cherish forever.”
The championship was a night of intense competition, with 28 elite fighters from 14 Arab nations coming together for 15 exhilarating bouts. The arena buzzed with energy as the audience witnessed high-level Muay Thai at its finest. Mardi’s path to victory was anything but easy. After a hard-fought semi-final win against Morocco’s Hamza Rachid, he faced Algeria’s Lyes Ouari in the final showdown. Known for his resilience and tactical brilliance, Mardi dominated the ring, sealing his victory with a unanimous decision after three thrilling rounds.
“This championship was more than just a fight; it was a testament to our hard work and the unwavering support of our fans and trainers,” Mardi shared. “Lyes is a formidable opponent with a 17-6 professional record, and he kept coming at me despite the early damage to his forehead. But I knew I had the strength and strategy to take this title home. This win is for the UAE and for everyone who believed in me.”
The event was not just about Mardi’s triumph; it was a celebration of the incredible talent across the Arab world. The night showcased the hard work, dedication, and skill of fighters from all over the region. The victories of the UAE’s rising stars were a highlight, with Ahmad Alshammar overpowering Libya’s Mohammed Alkharaz in the bantamweight division, Rafi Ramzi securing a decisive win against Tunisia’s Souhaib Skik in the light heavyweight category, and Ibrahim Bilal delivering a third-round stoppage against Iraq’s Bahman Mohammed in the super lightweight division. But beyond the victories, what truly stood out was the mutual respect and sportsmanship displayed by all participants, embodying the true spirit of Muaythai.
The night’s excitement didn’t stop there. The co-main event featured a fierce heavyweight clash between Morocco’s Othman Fakaki and Tunisia’s Mohammed Trabelsi, which ended in a thrilling tie, with both fighters earning 28 points after a grueling battle.
The event drew a distinguished audience who also participated in the awards ceremony, including Stephen Fox, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations, His Excellency Sorayot Chasombat, Ambassador of Thailand to the UAE, His Excellency Hossam Al-Din Dekheel, Acting Charge d’Affaires of the Tunisian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Al-Zarouk Al-Sharif, Vice President of the Arab Muay Thai Federation and President of the Libyan Muaythai and Kickboxing Federation, Mustafa Jabbar Alick, President of the Iraqi Muaythai Federation, Tareq Mohammed Al-Mehri, Secretary-General of the Arab Muay Thai Federation, Mohammed Al-Qubaisi, representative of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Lahcen Hilali, Chairman of the Technical Committee in the Arab Muaythai Federation, and Moussa Jabr, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab Muay Thai Federation, along with members of the Board of Directors of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, Ali Khouri and Yasser Salem.
As the night came to a close, the impact of the championship was clear. It wasn’t just about the titles or the wins; it was about the collective spirit of the Arab Muaythai community coming together to celebrate excellence, resilience, and the bright future ahead.
He continued, “We owe this success to the relentless support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose vision and backing have been pivotal in bringing this championship to life. This is only the beginning; we are committed to fostering the sport across the Arab world and providing a platform for our athletes to shine on the global stage.”
“Tonight, we witnessed the dawn of a new era in Arab Muaythai. This championship will not only be remembered for its champions but for the way it has brought our community together in pursuit of greatness. I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead,” Al Neyadi concluded.
