Top Fighters Compete in Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Qualifiers

The 17th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship started an important phase on Thursday as the country qualifier rounds began for the purple, brown, and black belt professional athletes across all weight divisions. These early matches brought together top fighters from around the world as they battled for limited spots in the main brackets and upcoming finals.

The qualifier system is very competitive. Only two athletes from each country can move forward in any weight category if they are competing under the same belt level. This rule ensures fairness and allows only the strongest fighters from every nation to advance. The finals for the purple and brown belts are scheduled for Friday, while the highly anticipated black belt finals will take place on Saturday.

Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, explained that the professional category is always the most exciting part of the championship. He said it showcases the highest level of Jiu-Jitsu skills, technique, and strategy. According to him, the qualifier matches on Thursday were extremely strong, tactical, and full of impressive speed and accuracy. He also noted that athletes—especially those in the black belt division—must maintain full focus because the level of competition is incredibly high.

Al Dhaheri added that the qualifier system highlights the value and global importance of the championship. It gives athletes from many countries the chance to compete and advance, raising the overall level of competition. He emphasized that this system encourages athletes to continue improving and working hard so they can reach the main stages of the tournament.

The UAE delegation performed well during the qualifiers, securing several spots for the next round. Al Dhaheri said that these results show clear progress in local training programs and prove that Emirati athletes are prepared to compete at an advanced international level.

One of the standout Emirati athletes was Faisal Alwahedi from Baniyas Club. He successfully reached the purple belt 69 kg main bracket qualifiers. Alwahedi expressed his happiness and described this achievement as an important step in his sporting journey. He said the matches were challenging and required full concentration, but his recent weeks of preparation helped him stay confident. He shared that he is highly motivated to aim for the gold medal and will continue analyzing his opponents to give his best performance.

Another fighter who drew attention was Russian athlete Eduard Dimura from the ZR Team International. Competing in the professional black belt 94 kg division, he described the Championship as a special event with a powerful atmosphere. According to him, the large audience gives athletes strong motivation, and the championship gathers the best fighters from different clubs and academies worldwide. Dimura said he has trained for months and arrived prepared both physically and technically. His goal is to show his true skills and fight strongly until the final second, as this championship is known for creating champions.

The competition will continue on Friday with the finals for the purple and brown belts as well as the black belt qualifier rounds. On Saturday evening, the event will conclude with the professional black belt finals starting at 6 PM. The championship will officially close on Sunday with the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards ceremony, which will honor the season’s top performers.

This year’s edition once again proves why the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is one of the most respected and global martial arts events, attracting elite athletes and showcasing world-class talent from every continent.