Amin Abbas

ABU DHABI: The second edition of Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC 2) will be held on Jan. 19 at Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena, as it becomes the first major martial arts event in 2024.

The groundbreaking event in the world of combat sports that aims to channel the highest standards of jiu-jitsu will showcase a high-stakes grappling bout featuring American UFC stars Aljamain Sterling and Chase Hooper.

Equally exciting is the co-main event, where Pablo Lavaselli, an Argentine black belt and the 2021 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC) champion, will go head-to-head against Norwegian Espen Mathiesen, who is also the 2018 ADWPJJC champion, in a riveting jiu-jitsu bout.

Moreover, ADXC 2 presents a headline Jiu-Jitsu bout between Bruno Lima and Manuel Ribamar. Lima, a standout from the previous season, aims to continue his success after securing victory at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 2023, while Ribamar seeks to further solidify his impressive career with another title.

Another exciting match is Welsh Ffion Davies, a multiple winner of the IBJJF World Championships, taking on Luana Pinheiro, who was ranked tenth in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings.

The excitement continues with main card matches, such as the grappling bout between UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney and Sidney Outlaw. Additionally, the event features a lightweight jiu-jitsu bout between Gabriel Sousa and Yuta Shimada.

A highly anticipated rematch on the main card will see Ali Monfaradi from Bahrain against Talison Costa from Brazil, as Costa aims for redemption after Monfaradi’s previous victory, showcasing their skills within the ADXC cage.

In another thrilling addition, the prelims card introduces the exceptional skills of the UAE’s jiu-jitsu and grappling athletes, highlighting the recently promoted black belt holders, the Al Suwaidi brothers, Omar and Mohammed. Graduating to the elite ranks of jiu-jitsu on the same day, the brothers will display their unique styles and aggressive gameplay during the Prelims Card of ADXC 2.

Omar Al Suwaidi engages in a compelling jiu-jitsu bout against Shay Montague, who is known for his proficiency in both jiu-jitsu and grappling.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Suwaidi enters the grappling bout against Seonghyeon Joo, representing South Korea, aiming to challenge the local talent in ADXC 2.

“I’m pleased to participate in ADXC 2,” said Al Suwaidi. “It is a robust tournament that offers me the opportunity to gain new experiences and test my grappling skills. I’m the first Emirati to participate in the no-gi division, and it’s also my first competition after achieving the black belt. The presence of the cage and the tournament’s meticulous organization add excitement to the fights. I’m currently engaged in a closed camp, preparing rigorously for the tournament through dedicated training.