A jiu-jitsu No Gi clash between UFC’s Aljamain Sterling and Chase Hooper will headline the second Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC) at the Mubadala Arena, Zayed Sports City, on Friday.
ADXC held its inaugural show in October last year and based on that success, the second edition looks set to dazzle fans once again.
“I am super excited for Friday night. Chase Hooper is a tough fighter, a high-level guy. Also, he is a blackbelt. I am going to prove myself and end the fight with a submission,” Sterling said at the launch ceremony on Wednesday.
Sterling, 34, a prominent UFC bantamweight, has an impressive grappling record and will be taking on Hooper, who is 10 years his junior and known for his outstanding jiu-jitsu skills.
Hooper didn’t hide his excitement for the fight.
“I am from a small town and a small gym but I am here in Abu Dhabi now. I have been training since I was a kid. I am excited to be doing the sport I love, jiu-jitsu. I can’t be more excited for Friday night,” he said.
ADXC is a newcomer to the world of combat sports. It brings together renowned martial art fighters in a variety of disciplines such as MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, and grappling.
In the co-main event, the current Abu Dhabi World Pro champion Bruno Lima of Portugal faces off against his 2020 European Open final nemesis, Manuel Ribamar of Brazil.
“I am here to show that my place is here,” Lima said. “I may not be the most famous guy, but in the end, my jiu-jitsu always proves itself, and I can’t wait to prove it once again.”
Ribamar shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I am very happy to have been chosen to participate in this edition of the tournament, I am also pleased that the next event will be held in my country, Brazil, which will give the Brazilian players a chance to showcase their skills and open new horizons. I believe they will be excited to participate.
“I am fully prepared, despite this being my first time fighting inside the cage. But jiu-jitsu skills remain the most important factor, and I look forward to showcasing my special style.”
Mohammed Jassim Al Hosani, member of the organising committee and the official matchmaker for ADXC, said plans are in place to expand the tournament’s reach with the launch of the third edition in Brazil on March 2.
“As the global capital of jiu-jitsu and grappling, Abu Dhabi is dedicated to providing unparalleled support for this sport and organising exceptional events that embody the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect,” he said.
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
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Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
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What: Fifa Club World Cup play-off
Who: Al Ain v Team Wellington
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
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Jack Moore: Why the assassination is such a monumental gamble
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1.
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4.
5.
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative
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