Palestine’s Selwady aims to make history at ADXC

As the inaugural Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC 1) approaches, excitement is on the rise.

MMA and grappling enthusiasts from around the world are eagerly anticipating the thrilling event, set to take place at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City on October 20. Organised in collaboration with the AJP, the world-class event promises to deliver a night of intense competition.

A major highlight of the event is the electrifying fight card, featuring a No GI Welterweight bout between two formidable fighters: Abdul Kareem Al Selwady from Palestine and Islam Reda from Egypt. Al Selwady, known for his dynamic journey in combat sports, is set to captivate fans with his remarkable grappling skills. His transition from kickboxing to MMA, despite starting without a grappling background, showcases his incredible determination and talent.

Selwady ventured into jiu-jitsu competitions alongside his MMA training over the years, where he displayed a natural flair for grappling. His consistent dominance over opponents fuelled his passion, leading him to intensify his efforts in the grappling arena.

Upon relocating to the United States, he shifted his focus to grappling, engaging in super fights and tournaments, driven by his deep love for the sport.

Selwady’s familiarity with the ADXC cage, competed in previous MMA fights, sets him apart from competitors less accustomed to this environment, giving him a unique advantage.

He said, “The cage offers different techniques and movements, and I can make my opponents feel trapped and claustrophobic. I’m a pressure fighter, and I’ll use that to my advantage. Winning is the ultimate goal.

I’ve travelled all the way from US to Abu Dhabi to win.”

Selwady expressed his excitement about participating in the first ADXC event. “For me, being a part of history is important, and participating in the first event of its kind in Abu Dhabi is a big deal. I’m honoured to be a part of it. I’ve put in a lot of hard work, training rigorously to ensure I perform well in Abu Dhabi. I’m committed to putting on a great show for ADXC and look forward to its continued growth,” he added.

The fight in Abu Dhabi holds a special place in Selwady’s heart as he eagerly returns to the UAE capital. He previously competed in Abu Dhabi as part of the Brave Combat Federation, an experience he fondly recalls with a victory.

The Palestinian fighter’s participation in ADXC 1 is not only a testament to his skill but also to the event’s potential to become a significant milestone in combat sports. His journey, marked by dedication and adaptability, mirrors the essence of ADXC, making him a fitting addition to the competition.

In the No-Gi main event, Bellator fighter Neiman Gracie faces off against former UFC and WEC champion Ben Henderson.

Gracie carries the legacy of the Gracie name and his uncle, the legendary Renzo Gracie, while Henderson relies on his versatile skill set, including wrestling tools, aiming to secure victory with his formidable guillotine.

The ADXC card is loaded with top-tier talent, including Zayed Al Khateeri, Tayane Porfírio, Luiza Monteiro, Fellipe Andrew, and many more. The preliminary bouts promise intense action, with standout matches such as Abdul-Kareem Al Selwady versus Islam Reda and Marcin Held versus Guram Kutateladze, among others.  Additionally, the women’s Gi duels at ADXC will showcase the incredible talents of Luiza Monteiro, Nathalie Ribeiro, Sarah Galvao, and Vitoria Gabriella, providing a thrilling start to the event.

The event also features Tarek Suleiman, who is gearing up to meet former Venator FC Welterweight Champion and UFC middleweight contender Marvin Vettori, famously known as “The Italian Dream.”