Mixed martial arts continues to grow in popularity in Qatar, with the Gulf region becoming a promising market for international organisations such as ONE and PFL.
advertisementMartial arts fans exist throughout the Middle East and martial arts organizations like One Championship Group are eager to capitalize on the demand. The Qatar 365 team had a front row seat to the historic inaugural One Championship tournament in Qatar.
An action-packed fight night at the Lusail Sports Arena saw international fighters such as undefeated MMA champion Anatoly Malikin give fans a world-class show. The event also featured champions from the MENA region, including Iranian heavyweight Amir Aliakbari, who is seen as the best chance to bring the gold belt to the Middle East.
Adel Haleem spoke with ONE Championship Founder and CEO Chatri Sityodtong about why he instills martial arts values such as respect, humility, resilience, integrity, courage, discipline and the warrior mentality in his fighters. Beyond the misconceptions about violence, he added, “martial arts is one of the greatest platforms to unlock human potential.”
Laila Humaira took a closer look at another mixed martial arts organization, the Professional Fighters League. She met with some of the up-and-coming PFL fighters and spoke with Biaggio Ali Walsh, the grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Biaggio is carving his own path in martial arts and says the legacy of his grandfather's career comes with pressure, but he's not afraid of it. “Pressure makes diamonds. I hope one day pressure makes me a diamond,” he told Laila.
Laila also met Hattan Saif, the first Saudi woman to sign a contract with the International Mixed Martial Arts League. Hattan represents the PFL in the Middle East and North Africa. The 22-year-old fighter feels it is her duty to inspire other girls and empower them to overcome societal barriers.
