Saif Alblooshi Secures UAE’s First Gold at IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain
Al Ain, The Gulf Observer: Emirati athlete Saif Alblooshi earned the United Arab Emirates its first gold medal at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain on Wednesday, defeating Tajikistan’s Azizullo Mirzoev in the men’s Youth B (14–15 years) 40 kg final. Alblooshi showcased exceptional composure and technical precision throughout the bout, drawing resounding support from the home crowd.
This victory marks Alblooshi’s second consecutive gold at the IMMAF Youth World Championships, having also claimed the top podium position in the same category in 2023 — reinforcing his rising status in youth mixed martial arts.
Adding to the UAE’s medal count, Ghala Al Hammadi secured a silver in the Youth B women’s 44 kg category, contributing to the nation’s overall tally of 11 medals: one gold, two silver, and eight bronze.
Day three of the championship saw the commencement of the Youth B division at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. More closely contested matches are expected on Thursday, with athletes of matching skill levels competing across multiple weight classes.
The championship, being hosted in the Al Ain Region for the first time, continues until July 27 and has drawn participation from young MMA talents across the globe. Distinguished attendees at the event included Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and UAE Esports Federation; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; Rashed Musabah Al Manei, Director General of Al Ain City Municipality; Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation; Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; Khaled Abdullah Al Dhaheri, Director of the Abu Dhabi Business Centre in Al Ain; and Wissam Abi Nader, Vice President of the International Federation.
Commenting on the progress of the championship, Mohammed Jasem Al Hosani, Member of the MMA Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, stated,
“We are seeing clear progress each day in terms of technical skill and tactical discipline shown by athletes inside the cage. This year’s championship is gaining momentum and reflects a promising future for youth athletes around the world. The strong spectator presence and family support have added a meaningful community and cultural dimension to the event.”
The IMMAF Youth World Championships continue to foster global talent and community engagement, with Al Ain emerging as a significant host city for future international MMA events.
