Private/SME
Paris, May 17, 2024:
The world stars in jiu-jitsu and martial arts announced the challenge in the fourth edition of the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship, in the official press conference held by the organizing committee, in the French capital, Paris, in the presence of French and international media and fans of the participating athletes, because the unique Emirati initiative receives international attention, as it Jiu-Jitsu and grappling champions come together in a new kind of martial arts inside the cage.
Mr. Tariq Al-Bahri, General Manager of World Vision Sports Management Company, participated in the press conference, in addition to eight of the players participating in the main fights in the tournament, namely the world and French mixed martial arts star and champion Benoît Saint-Denis and the Englishman Mark Diakesse, who will represent the grappling main event fight. And Espen Matthiessen and Leon Larman, who will compete in the main event of jiu-jitsu, and the champions Fionn Davies and Morgan Black, in the joint main event of grappling, in addition to the Emirati champion Khaled Al Shehhi and his Brazilian opponent, Leonardo Mario, and a large number of French and international press, which gave the athletes an opportunity to answer questions from the press and fight fans, In addition to talking about their expectations for the upcoming competition, which will be held tomorrow, Saturday.
In this regard, Mr. Tariq Al-Bahri, General Manager of World Vision Sports Management Company, said about the preparations for the tournament, saying: “We are pleased with the participation of 28 male and female players from 15 countries in this edition of the tournament, which witnesses 14 fights and brings together the elite of jiu-jitsu and grappling stars from all over the world.” And ranked internationally, including 7 players from France, with the aim of giving a greater opportunity for European and French talents to demonstrate their abilities and compete in the largest international sports forums, in addition to the UAE’s participation with a male and female player, Khaled Al Shehhi and Shamma Al Kalbani.
He added: “The process of selecting the players participating in the tournament was based on their global rankings in the largest international mixed martial arts organizations, as well as the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tours, and their levels in the continental championships of the Abu Dhabi Professional Jiu-Jitsu Association and the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.”
Enthusiastic statements
The press conference witnessed enthusiastic statements between the two stars, Benoit Saint-Denis and Marc Diakiese, as each of them affirmed their readiness and confidence in winning the upcoming match, which added an atmosphere of enthusiasm and suspense to the upcoming fight.
Benoit Saint-Denis said: “It is an honor for me to be in this distinguished tournament. I thank my training staff for making me this ready. I would like to seize this opportunity to show the skills I have honed, and most importantly, enjoy the fight.”
Mark Diakiese, his opponent in the fight, responded: “I am confident of winning. People have not followed many of my fights. I struggled and competed for a long time to get here, and I came to prove my skills and control the opponent who is under pressure, and he needs to perform for an audience, while I am here.” For fun”.
On the other hand, Espen Matthiessen and Leon Larman confirmed their readiness to compete in the main event of the jiu-jitsu fight.
Espen Mathiesen said: “I am looking forward to winning at Abu Dhabi Extreme. I have fought and won fights here already, and my goal is to raise the level of my performance and continue to advance. I will need to take some risks and use my skills well to achieve a balance between winning and entertaining the fans.”
Leon Larman said: I was thrilled to be invited to participate in this tournament. Jiu-Jitsu in France is constantly evolving, and this is a great opportunity to show how our style works against the best athletes in the world. The rules of this tournament give us the opportunity to worry less about positions and focus on the fighting. It is the right recipe to entertain the fans.”
Both Leonardo and Khaled Al Shehhi also expressed their determination to show more of their skills by using submission strategies during the fight.
Empowering women through sports
The event is distinguished by its ability to empower women through sports, which was confirmed by the two fighters, Morgan Black and Vivondavis, who are competing in the main grappling fight. Davies said: “Participating in “Abu Dhabi Extreme” is special for me. The tournament provides a platform to give my maximum potential without the usual pressure.” .
She added: “I participated in Abu Dhabi Extreme in Abu Dhabi in January, and it feels great to be back participating again.”
Black stressed that the tournament not only provides an opportunity to demonstrate her skills against elite competitors, but also provides a good opportunity to raise the flag of women’s jiu-jitsu, paving the way for the next generation to achieve a better life outside this sport.
Al Shehhi is ready to be subdued
Khaled Al Shehhi, the UAE player present at the global event, confirmed his readiness to participate, and said: “I do not like to talk a lot. I just want to achieve victory in the most appropriate way. I will not need to worry about points, because I am always looking to subjugate the opponent.”
It is noteworthy that the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship embodies the UAE’s commitment to enhancing cultural and sports communication, and provides an opportunity for jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts stars to exchange experiences and skills on the global stage. It also reflects a vision based on enhancing the spirit of competition and providing the best in the world of sports.
