MetroLifePAGE 19
June 7
Food, fashion, movies and more...7DAYS
Recording artistPrince changed his
name to anunpronounceablesymbol, in 1993
Last month, the Dubai Fighting Championship (DFC)pulled in a big crowd for its inaugural professional MixedMartial Arts (MMA) event ‘The Beginning’. Now it’s timefor the amateurs to show off their skills. They are
leg-locking and hammerfisting for all they are worth in gymsacross Dubai as they squeeze in some last-minute training forthe DFC’s ‘Fight Night’ tomorrow. While they may rather be knocked out than admit it, nervesare likely to be running high for the vast majority of thosetaking part - as it will be their first time fighting in an MMAoctagon cage. And it’s not just honour at stake tomorrow,there’s also a chance to make the leap from the amateur ranksto the professional stage as DFC co-creators Tam Khan and AriBasti are going to pick the most promising talents to step up tothe Dubai pro league.While 12 of the 14 fights tomorrow are amateur, the ‘mainevent’ will feature UAE-based Tunisian fighter Mounir Lazzez,
who will take on fellow welterweight AndyCona from England.
MMA is a passion for Mounir and he works hard to balance his job
as a security guard with hisgruelling six-day-a-weektraining regime.“I work at night in my job, Itrain [in the] morning, then Isleep, then I train and then Igo to work,” he says. “I sleep six hours aftermorning training. It is very
difficult for me, but it isworth it.
“My diet is just chicken, fish,salad. No Pizza, no McDonalds.
But after you win the fight youforget all of this.”
Mounir, 24, has been doing MMA for threeyears. It is now the world’s fastest growing sport. DFC co-creators Khan and Basti run Contenders MMA gym in Al Quozand they say more teens are picking up pads. While manyparents may shudder at the thought of their child entering thebrutal world of MMA, the DFC guys say they’ve actually hadparents thanking them for helping their kids channelaggression and develop discipline. Mohammed Yayh, an 18-year-old Emiratistudent at Winchester School in Dubai, isgearing up for his first competitiontomorrow at Fight Night. He says: “Inschool I used to fight a lot and Iused to get kicked out. I had loadsof anger in me. I don’t knowwhere it came from but MMAhelped get the anger out. NowI’m less angry and it has helpedto discipline me.” Mohammed, who fights atlightweight adds: “I’ve beentraining for three years now. Mygoal is to go pro - this fight is justthe beginning, I’m not going to lose.”DFC’s Basti admits he was originallyattracted to the brutality of MMA - butsays there’s a lot more to it.“MMA’s a thinking game,” he says. “If you look at the history andthe thugs that came in off the street, like the Tank Abbotts, theynever did well in the UFC because it’s a thinking game with somany ways to win. If you’re not always thinking you’ll lose.”[email protected]
We grapple with the mixed-martial art amateurs hoping to go pro
MOUNIR LAZZEZ
AGE 24HEIGHT 6ft 2WEIGHT 77.1KgHOME COUNTRY TunisiaMMA EXPERIENCE Three yearsDAY JOB Security Guard
Mounir is an experienced Muay Thai fighter and has a goodjiu jitsu background. Very well rounded and one of the most
anticipated fighters on the card.
JAN NOORADIN
AGE 29HEIGHT 5ft 8WEIGHT 70.3kgHOME COUNTRY AfghanistanMMA EXPERIENCE Eight yearsDAY JOB (Formerly) farmer
Experienced in Tae Kwon Do and has skills in the AncientGreek wrestling style of Pankration. Tough and durable, Janleft his life in Afghanistan to pursue a fight career in Dubai.
DFC Fight Night is at the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa. Doors open at 7pm, event starts 8pm. Tickets from Dhs200.
Visit www.dubaifc.ae to find out more.
AARON BAYLEY
AGE 27HEIGHT 6ft 1WEIGHT 83.9kgHOME COUNTRY UKMMA EXPERIENCE Eight monthsDAY JOB Works on Oil Rigs
Aaron is a submission expert. The Liverpudlian has some amateur boxing experience.
A well-rounded fighter.
MAKHMUT GIDAEV
AGE 21HEIGHT 6ftWEIGHT 92.9kgHOME COUNTRY ChechnyaMMA EXPERIENCE 6 monthsDAY JOB Student
A very experienced freestyle wrestler. New to MMA but has a lot of determination
and is a fast learner.
Meet the Contenders
All photos by www.ameliajohnson.com
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