An anticipated match between John Phillips and Fabio Maldonado… and the participation of global star Conor McGregor.
Dubai is hosting one of the strongest bare-knuckle fighting championships in the world, where the open fight championship will take place for the first time in the Middle East, organized by the World League of Fighters in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, on April 4 and 5 at the Dubai Duty Free Stadium.
Combat enthusiasts will be in for an exciting atmosphere, as the stadium doors will open at 7:00 PM on both event days, preparing for the decisive matches between 44 global fighters competing for the major titles. The organizing committee will hold a press conference at the Burj Al Arab Hotel on Wednesday, April 2, to announce the tournament details and participants, with the presence of global star Conor McGregor and the tournament’s CEO, David Feldman. The conference will be a unique opportunity to discuss the tournament’s significance and its role in enhancing Dubai’s status as a leading destination for combat sports. Attendees will also cover the details of the anticipated matches and the major challenges the fighters will face in the ring.
A fiery clash between Phillips and Maldonado
All eyes are on the anticipated showdown between the seasoned Welsh fighter John Phillips, who has had a strong career in martial arts, and the powerful Brazilian Fabio Maldonado, who has a rich history in global bouts, as they face off in the light heavyweight category in a match expected to be full of excitement and competitiveness.
Conor McGregor ignites the atmosphere.
The event becomes more exciting with the announcement of the presence of global star Conor McGregor, one of the most prominent names in combat sports, in a surprise appearance whose details have not yet been revealed, raising the level of enthusiasm and anticipation among the audience. Additionally, premium ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet several top fighters in special sessions.
A global vision to promote combat sports in Dubai
David Feldman, the founder of the championship, confirmed that the event represents a qualitative leap for this sport, saying: “We are happy to bring this type of matches to Dubai, which is one of the most important global sports destinations. The great public enthusiasm reflects the interest in this championship, and we look forward to providing an exceptional experience for fight enthusiasts.”
Strong matches over the course of two days
The first day witnesses fierce confrontations between fighters from various countries, including Ali Al-Khatib (Egypt) who faces Raul Panalis (Philippines) in the lightweight category, and Lukas Sontgen (Germany) against Elnoor Suleimanov (Azerbaijan) in the middleweight category, along with other matches covering multiple weight classes.
As for the second day, it will be filled with intense competitions, where Mahdi Barqi (Iran) will face off against Ricardo Bashir (Lebanon) in the heavyweight category, while other matches will bring together champions from Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, South Africa, and other countries, making the championship a global event by all standards.
Details of tickets and broadcasting
Ticket prices start at 399 AED, with special categories available for fans of premium experiences. The event will also be broadcast on a range of local and international radio channels to ensure it reaches the largest audience possible.
The open wrestling championship in Dubai will undoubtedly be an exceptional sports experience, offering the audience a mix of excitement, strength, and thrill, placing Dubai at the heart of the combat sports world.
