Mohammed Mardi made history by securing the Arab Welterweight Championship title with an impressive display, calling it a 'truly unforgettable' moment in his illustrious career. Mardi’s win not only bagged him the prestigious title but also signified a major achievement for the UAE at the first-ever Arab Fight Night Muay Thai Professional Championship held at the lively Space 42 Arena in Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi.
Looking back at his ascent to the pinnacle, Mardi, a three-time world champion, expressed his pride: 'This title is incredibly special to me, not just because it’s the first of its kind, but because it symbolizes the passion and determination of our nation. Beating some of the top fighters from the Arab world is a moment I’ll treasure forever.' The championship featured intense battles with 28 top fighters from 14 Arab countries competing in 15 thrilling matches.
The atmosphere at the arena was electric as spectators watched Muay Thai at its best. Mardi’s journey to victory was challenging. After a tough semifinal win against Morocco’s Hamza Rachid, he faced Algeria’s Lyes Ouari in the final. Known for his endurance and strategic prowess, Mardi controlled the ring, securing his win with a unanimous decision after three exciting rounds.
'This championship was more than just a fight; it was a testament to our hard work and the unwavering support of our fans and trainers,' Mardi said. 'Lyes is a formidable opponent with a 17-6 professional record, and he kept coming at me despite the early damage to his forehead. But I knew I had the strength and strategy to take this title home. This win is for the UAE and for everyone who believed in me.'
The event celebrated the outstanding talent across the Arab world. The night highlighted the hard work, dedication, and skill of fighters from all over the region. The victories of the UAE's rising stars were notable, with Ahmad Alshammar defeating Libya’s Mohammed Alkharaz in the bantamweight division, Rafi Ramzi securing a decisive win against Tunisia’s Souhaib Skik in the light heavyweight category, and Ibrahim Bilal delivering a third-round stoppage against Iraq’s Bahman Mohammed in the super lightweight division.
Beyond the victories, the mutual respect and sportsmanship displayed by all participants truly embodied the spirit of Muay Thai. The night’s excitement continued with a fierce heavyweight clash between Morocco’s Othman Fakaki and Tunisia’s Mohammed Trabelsi, ending in a thrilling tie, with both fighters earning 28 points after a grueling battle.
Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, reflected on the success of the inaugural Arab Muay Thai Championship with pride. 'What we witnessed tonight was nothing short of extraordinary. The energy, the skill, the sheer passion from all the fighters—this event has set a new standard for Muay Thai in the Arab world. We’ve shown that Abu Dhabi is not just a participant but a leader in the global Muay Thai community,' Al Neyadi said.
As the night concluded, the impact of the championship was evident. It wasn’t just about the titles or the wins; it was about the collective spirit of the Arab Muay Thai community coming together to celebrate excellence, resilience, and the bright future ahead. 'Tonight, we witnessed the dawn of a new era in Arab Muay Thai. This championship will not only be remembered for its champions but for the way it has brought our community together in pursuit of greatness. I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead,' Al Neyadi said.
