Saif Alblooshi Claims Historic Gold Medal for UAE at IMMAF Youth World Championships
AL AIN, 23rd July, 2025 – The UAE celebrated a momentous victory at the IMMAF Youth World Championships on Wednesday, as Saif Alblooshi clinched the host nation’s first gold medal. Competing in the men’s Youth B (14–15 years) 40 kg final, Alblooshi delivered a composed and technically dominant performance to defeat Azizullo Mirzoev of Tajikistan, igniting a jubilant response from the home crowd.
This latest triumph marks the second time Alblooshi has climbed to the top of the podium at the IMMAF Youth World Championships, having previously claimed gold in 2023 in the same weight division.
Further adding to the UAE’s medal tally, Ghala Al Hammadi secured a silver medal in the Youth B women’s 44 kg category, underscoring the strength of the Emirati contingent at this premier youth MMA event. With these latest results, the UAE now boasts a total medal count of 11, comprised of one gold, two silver, and eight bronze.
Day three of the championship marked the commencement of the Youth B category matches at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. The division’s contests, which will continue through Thursday, promise even more closely contested bouts as athletes with similar skill levels compete across multiple weight classes.
This year’s event, being hosted in the Al Ain Region for the first time and continuing until July 27, welcomed a number of distinguished guests, including Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and the 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.
Mohammed Jasem Al Hosani, Member of the MMA Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s impact, saying, “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.”
Team V.4-EM-UAE
