Abu Dhabi has enhanced its position at the forefront of combat sports with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the governing body for the sport in the emirates, expanding its mandate to oversee the development of mixed martial arts (MMA), as the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation.

The federation formed a committee to develop a variety of MMA disciplines aimed at enhancing their presence, ethics, and values and developing a new generation of athletes who can compete on the local and global stage.

During its latest meeting, the federation’s Board of Directors, headed by Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, Chairman, UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU), Senior Vice President, Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF), endorsed the formation of the new committee, in the presence of Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President, UAEJJF; UAEJJF board members Mohammed Bin Dalmouk Al Dhaheri, Youssef Al Batran; Samira Al Romaithi and Mansour Dhaheri; and Fahad Al Shamsi, General Secretary of UAEJJF.

Mohammed Bin Dalmouk has been appointed chairperson of the new committee which includes leading figures in UAE combat sports. Mohammed Jassim Al Hosani is Secretary General. Key committee members include Mubarak El Menhali, the UAEJJF technical director; renowned MMA coach Umidjon Mavlyanov, and Fouad Darwish, CEO of Palms Sports, the leading UAE provider for sports training programs.

“MMA is one of the fastest growing sports and has been popular in this region for so many years. Jiu-Jitsu, being one of the foundations of MMA, is the UAE’s national sport, so it is the natural next step for the disciplines to combine. We are tremendously proud of the work we have done at the UAEJJF and the new UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation will take the sports to an unprecedented stage,” said Mohammed Bin Dalmouk Al Dhaheri.

“We are fortunate to have the steadfast support of the UAE leadership and the federation will repay that faith by continuing to raise awareness of jiu-jitsu and MMA as sports that promote discipline, determination, respect and a healthy lifestyle.”

The committee will enhance the presence of mixed martial arts by building on the growing popularity of the sport in the region. It will work to develop policies that promote the sport, in cooperation with various stakeholders and partners.

Umidjon Mavlyanov commented on the inclusion of mixed martial arts sport under the umbrella of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, saying: “The UAE has what it takes to create world-class competencies in mixed martial arts, able to participate in regional and international competitions. Mixed martial arts will follow the same approach followed by jiu-jitsu players in the UAE, who have achieved global successes and recognition, by providing them with an ideal environment for training and developing skills. I expect that there will be a promising future for mixed martial arts with a clear vision to enhance the country’s position in these fantastic sports.

Recently, the UAEJJF hosted the first round of the 2021 edition of the Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup at the Abu Dhabi’s Jiu-Jitsu Arena which witnessed top-class action from male and female athletes.

The cup, one of the most prestigious events in the season’s calendar, welcomed female participation for the first time across all categories, juveniles (under 16), youth (under 18) and adults (over 18).

“Female participation in jiu-jitsu has grown considerably in recent years, so it is right that they have the opportunity to test themselves and showcase their talents on a prestigious stage,” said Shamsi.

Day one of the championship belonged to the female athletes and it was the team from Al-Wahda Club that took the early lead in the three-round championship, topping the points table in the first division after round one, ahead of Al-Jazira Club and Al-Dhafra Club.

In the second division, Palms Sports Team 777 came out on top, leading Al-Ain Club, with Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club ranked third.