UAE’s Touizi and Serbia’s Todorovic light up K1 Pro Night in Abu Dhabi
- 2 hours ago
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The K1 Pro Night, hosted at Space 42 Arena, Al Raha Beach in Abu Dhabi, delivered an unforgettable evening of combat sports, highlighted by historic victories.
UAE’s Mohammed Touizi claimed the prestigious Intercontinental flyweight title, while Serbia’s Nikola Todorovic retained the world super middleweight title with a decisive knockout performance.
Organised by the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation in collaboration with WAKO Pro, the championship featured 28 elite fighters from 24 countries across 14 electrifying bouts.
The event underscored Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for professional combat sports, drawing athletes and spectators from around the world to witness the high-octane action.
In the main event, Todorovic (28 wins, 16 KOs) delivered a stunning knockout victory against Spain’s Jordi Coronado to retain his world super middleweight title. Todorovic’s dominant performance solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable fighters.
In the co-main event, Emirati Touizi showcased exceptional skill and determination, defeating Portugal’s Ricardo Hilario in a thrilling five-round battle to secure the title.
Touizi’s triumph marks a significant milestone for UAE kickboxing, demonstrating the nation’s ability to produce world-class talent.
The opening bouts set the stage for an action-packed evening when Brazil’s Maria Samurai defeated Italy’s Alessia Muroni in the flyweight division.
Morocco’s Zakaria Ahmamou knocked out Algeria’s Abdelmoueneme Basta in the Lightweight category.
Japan’s Kensuke Takao triumphed over China’s Yuhao Zhao in the Bantamweight division.
Romania’s David Boros secured victory against Germany’s Hamza Drafat in the Super Welterweight category.
Bosnia’s Sanjin Alihodzic bested Uzbekistan’s Rayimjonov Davlatbek in the Middleweight division.
Hungary’s David Szabo Toth defeated Netherlands’ Onur Yusuf Sahin in the Light Cruiserweight division.
Finland’s Emmi Saarela won against Portugal’s Sofia Oliveira in the Lightweight category.
The night’s main card bouts offered fierce competition.
Netherlands’ Mohamed El Hammouti defeated Zakaria Al Jari in the Light Welterweight division.
Turkey’s Izzettin Altunsoz overcame UAE’s Mohamed Hadile in the Light Middleweight division.
Netherlands’ Bogdan Dimitrov triumphed over Guinea’s Basso Pires in the Middleweight division.
Morocco’s Mohamed Hajji delivered a knockout win against Cape Verde’s Iuri Fernandes in the Super Heavyweight division.
Germany’s Ahmad Chikh Mousa secured victory against Spain’s Antonio Campoy in the Welterweight category.
Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and Chairman of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, celebrated the event’s success: “We are thrilled with the remarkable success of K1 Pro Night, which has closed the Federation’s vibrant 2024 season. This tournament has not only showcased world-class talent but also reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a premier destination for combat sports.
“We proudly dedicate Mohammed Touizi’s victory to our wise leadership, whose unwavering support drives the Federation’s ambitions. This triumph reflects our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to achieving even greater milestones in the year ahead.”
Neyadi also expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE and Deputy Prime Minister:
“His Highness’s generous backing has significantly elevated the standing of kickboxing and Muay Thai in the UAE, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global destination for elite athletes and tournaments.”
The championship’s finale drew prominent figures, including Tariq Mohammed Al Muhairi, Board Member of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, Ali Khouri, Executive Member of the International Kickboxing Federation, Carlos Ramognali, Executive Director of WAKO Pro, Mohammed Al Hosani, Member of the UAE Mixed Martial Arts Committee, and Fouad Darwish, CEO of Palms Sports.
