KHALID Bin Hamad Mixed Martial Arts (KHK MMA) team fighter Fahad Abdulrazaq ensured Bahrain a medal yesterday by storming into the 57kg semi-final of the World Championships for Amateurs in Las Vegas.
The event is being organised by International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) in cooperation with Ultimate Fighting Championship “UFC”.
Abdulrazaq, who is making his debut at the World Championships, defeated Bulgarian Nikolay Ivaylov in the quarter-finals. He won the first round easily and forced his opponent to surrunder 2.04 minutes into the second.
First deputy chairman of Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and founder of KHK MMA Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa congratulated Abdulrazaq and wished him further success in the semi-finals.
“Abdulrazaq has high potential and capabilities despite his young age. These qualities have enabled him to reach this stage so early in his amateur career,” said Shaikh Khalid.
Meanwhile, KHK MMA professional fighter Frankie Edgar completed his final preparations ahead of his main battle for the featherweight title against Brazil’s Jose Aldo in the Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC200.
Edgar underwent an intensive training programme for more than four months in order to get prepared for the title fight which is considered one of the biggest championships of mixed martial arts in the world.
“The title of the championship means everything to me, I wanted to be the number one in the world when I entered the world of mixed martial arts. I have constantly trained and will not waste this opportunity because when you get the belt, you feel like you are on top of the world,” said Edgar.
Edgar also expressed his joy being a part of KHK MMA team.
“The Khalid bin Hamad team is one of the most prestigious in the sport and Shaikh Khalid has provided all the support required to succeed at the highest level.
Blessed
“This has helped us to present Bahraini fighters to the world. I am blessed to be a member of this family,” added Edgar.
Edgar’s coach Mark Henry pointed out that the fighter is capable of lifting the belt. “I have been with Frankie since his first bout and am sure he will be the next champion,” said Henry.
“The bout will not be easy as Jose Aldo is a proven champion. That is why prepared so hard for this bout.”