ADXC 2 reveals thrilling line-up for an evening of intense grappling, jiu-jitsu action

Gulf Today, Sports Reporter

The Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC) is set to make its highly anticipated return for the second edition, promising a night filled with electrifying martial arts.

Organised by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) in collaboration with AJP, ADXC 2 presents an enthralling card boasting a diverse lineup of both local and international athletes.

The main event will showcase a high stakes Grappling Bout featuring American UFC stars Aljamain Sterling and Chase Hooper.

Equally exciting is the co-main event, where Pablo Lavaselli, an Argentine black belt and 2021 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) champion, will go head-to-head against Norwegian Espen Mathiesen, who is also the 2018 ADWPJJC champion as well as the IBJJF European Champion, in a riveting Jiu-Jitsu Bout.

Moreover, ADXC 2 presents a headline jiu-jitsu bout between Bruno Lima of Portugal and Manuel Ribamar of Brazil.

Lima, a standout from the previous season, aims to continue his success after securing victory at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023. Ribamar, a two-time ADGS champion in the US, seeks to further solidify his impressive career with another title.

Another exciting match-up on the card is the grappling co-main event showcasing Welsh Ffion Davies, a multiple winner of the IBJJF World Championships, taking on Luana Pinheiro of Brazil, who was ranked #10 in the UFC women's strawweight rankings.

The excitement continues with the main card with matchups like the grappling bout between Terrance McKinney and Sidney Outlaw.

UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney begins his 2024 campaign with a welterweight grappling match against Sidney Outlaw on the main card. Additionally, the event features a Lightweight Jiu-Jitsu bout between Gabriel Sousa and Yuta Shimada.

A highly anticipated rematch on the main card will see Ali Monfaradi from Bahrain face off against Talison Costa from Brazil, as Talison aims for redemption after Ali’s previous victory, showcasing their skills within the ADXC cage.

In another thrilling addition, the Prelims Card introduces the exceptional skills of UAE’s jiu-jitsu and grappling athletes, highlighting the recently promoted black belt holders, the Al Suwaidi brothers — Omar and Mohammed. Graduating to the elite ranks of jiu-jitsu on the same day, the brothers will display their unique styles and aggressive gameplay during the prelims card of ADXC 2.

Omar engages in a compelling Jiu-Jitsu bout against Shay Montague from Scotland, known for his proficiency in both jiu-jitsu and grappling. Simultaneously, Mohammed enters the grappling bout against Seonghyeon Joo, representing South Korea, aiming to challenge the local talent in ADXC 2.

“I am pleased to participate in the ADXC 2,” said Mohammed. “It is a robust tournament that offers me the opportunity to gain new experiences and test my grappling skills. I am the first Emirati to participate in the no-gi division, and it's also my first competition after achieving the black belt. The presence of the cage and the tournament’s meticulous organisation add excitement to the fights. I am currently engaged in a closed camp, preparing rigorously for the tournament through dedicated training.

“My daily routine involves focusing on techniques in the morning, followed by a grappling session. I then resume training in the evening, incorporating exercises to strengthen my body and enhance my physical fitness. I am confident that my jiu-jitsu skills will be a significant factor in securing victory, especially as I am aiming for a win by submission.”

Omar added, “I am confident in my capability to excel and deliver a performance that honors the UAE’s name. My brother Mohammed and I are the sole representatives of our country in this tournament, competing against international stars. I am giving my all to the training to secure victory in this innovative combat sports event, which presents a new experience.”