Full Readiness for Global Fight Night Next Saturday: Stars Announce Challenges for the “Road to Dubai Champions Series”
The top fighters participating in the “Road to Dubai Champions Series” have declared their readiness and determination to claim victory during today’s Open Media Day, part of “Fight Week” activities. The championship will take place on Saturday, January 25, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The event is organized by the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in partnership with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council.
The Open Media Day witnessed significant attendance from local and regional media, reflecting the anticipation for these globally recognized fights. The series features some of the most prominent fighters in mixed martial arts from around the world, including the Middle East and North Africa.
The highlight of the event was the focus on the main card fighters, Russian Usman Nurmagomedov and Irishman Paul Hughes. Nurmagomedov expressed confidence, aiming to secure victory via submission or knockout, stating, “This will be a tough fight, but I am prepared to settle it decisively in a highly anticipated global night in Dubai.” Hughes responded with confidence, asserting his full readiness to overturn expectations and excel in the cage, citing rigorous preparations in recent months.
Algerian fighter Souheil Tahari, set to face Irishman John Mitchell, emphasized his focus on performance in the cage, saying, “I don’t care about pre-fight talk. What I’ve learned is that the battle is decided in the cage. I look forward to competing in this championship, my sixth appearance in the UAE, where the atmosphere is always electrifying and the organization motivates us to perform our best.”
Syrian fighter Tarek Suleiman expressed his gratitude to the UAE for its continuous support of fighters, especially Arab athletes, through hosting world-class events. He stated, “I am ready for my next bout against Egyptian Ahmed Sami, and I hope we deliver a world-class Arab showdown that reflects the progress of Arab fighters in this sport.”
Saudi Arabia’s Mustafa Nada, set to face British-Pakistani fighter Haider “Darth” Khan, affirmed his readiness to dominate, stating, “I am prepared for any opponent, anywhere, anytime. I’ve analyzed my next opponent and have trained diligently for this fight, which demands great focus.” Khan, on the other hand, praised Dubai for providing a globally significant platform, saying, “I’ve studied my opponent and aim to dominate. I arrived two weeks ago to fully acclimate to the championship atmosphere, and I anticipate strong crowd support.”
The official weigh-ins for the fighters will take place on Friday, January 24, at the Coca-Cola Arena, with the championship to follow the next day, Saturday, January 25, at the same venue.
The event will feature 11 fights with 22 fighters from 13 countries, including the UAE, Russia, Ireland, the USA, Brazil, England, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and the Philippines. The main card fight features world champion Usman Nurmagomedov against Irishman Paul Hughes. Other bouts include Emirati Hadi Omar Al-Husseini against Filipino Roel Banales, Irishman Nathan Kelly against Russian Khasan Magomedov, Irishman Kenny Mokhwana against Englishman Ibragim Ibragimov, American Johnson against Russian Nemkov, Brazilian Kleivers Fernandes against Russian Rinat Khavalov, Egyptian Ahmed Sami against Syrian Tarek Suleiman, Uzbekistani Murovzal “Mirko” Akhtamov against Englishman Mike “Levi” Thompson, Irishman John Mitchell against Algerian Souheil Tahari, and Saudi Mustafa Nada against British Haider “Darth” Khan. Additionally, an amateur fight will feature Emirati Saeed Al-Hosani against Kuwaiti Talal Al-Qallaf.
The “Road to Dubai Champions Series” kicks off at 7:30 PM on January 25, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. Tickets are now available for purchase at:
https://www.coca-cola-arena.com/sports/933/road-to-dubai-champions-series-nurmagomedov-nbsp-vs-nbsp-hughes
