Call it coincidence, good fortune or even fate, but a chance meeting in a Las Vegas restaurant with one of the most prominent figures in sport could change Mounir “Sniper” Lazzez’s life for ever.
More immediately, it secured the Dubai resident his UFC debut next month.
"One of my friends in the US passed [UFC president] Dana White by chance, showed him my knockout highlight reel and said 'Listen, stop I have business for you. Look at this guy: he's the next 'Middle East's Conor McGregor'," Lazzez tells The National, surprisingly matter-of-factly.
“So Dana followed me on Instagram and put matchmaker Sean Shelby in contact with me. And Sean contacted me and then my management. So, yeah, it happened like that.”
And now it's happening. Lazzez says his friend bumped into White on Tuesday of last week. Oblivious to what had transpired, the Tunisian woke on Wednesday to a fight being sorted at the once-in-a-lifetime Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. After the initial shock – understandable, but fleeting – he composed himself and agreed.
“Sean sent me a private message on social media and asked if I was up to fight on July 15,” Lazzez says. “Yes sir. He didn’t even send me any other details.
“He asked if I can make 77 [kilograms, for welterweight], and I said ‘Easy to go, just let me know’. He spoke to my management, offered them the fight, we accepted and, yes, I’m ready.”
And there you have it. Lazzez, a former Desert Challenge welterweight champion, a specialist Muay Thai kickboxer who grew up in Tunisia before relocating to Canada and then finally to Dubai in 2012, will face Ghanaian Abdul Razak Alhassan on July 15. Alhassan has five UFC outings under his belt, but hasn’t competed since a 43-second knockout of Niko Price in September 2018.
Now he will collide with Lazzez at the second of a four-fight UFC series taking place across two weeks on Yas Island, although the card has not yet been announced.
By any measure, Lazzez's is a remarkable tale. Looking back further, his mixed martial arts story dates back more than 15 years. A “tall, skinny and ugly” teenager, he took up kickboxing only because his parents thought it would help build his confidence.
Displaying both an appetite and an aptitude, he went on to excel for the Tunisia national team, then began his amateur MMA career in Canada, where he added to his repertoire jiu-jitsu and wrestling.
In Dubai, and with the help of Team Nogueira Dubai martial arts and fitness academy – Lazzez worked as coach from 2014 and considers managing director Rafael Haubert a mentor - he eventually turned professional and committed to full-time training. At present, the 31-year-old’s pro record stands at 9-1, helped by back-to-back first-round finishes in his past two bouts.
A UFC fan “since day one", Lazzez appreciates everything that has carried him to this point. To Fight Island next month.
“To be honest, in this moment we have a lot of people losing their job and you see how all around the world it’s crazy,” he says. “People are protesting, people are losing their loved ones. So for me it’s kind of a light at the end of the tunnel.
“I just appreciate God’s plan; it’s the best and it’s humbled me. It let me appreciate more things. So this has come at the right time, the right place. It’s going to be better than this.”
A month out, he’s begun a full training camp. Typically, Lazzez studies his opponents before stepping into the cage. This time, he’s leaving that to his coach and his team. For him, the focus is July 15. No distractions.
“I will be ready and will be 100 per cent as well,” Lazzez says. “In this game, at the elite level, the technique is there, but it’s more heart.
"When they lock that cage, when you look at your opponent, it doesn’t matter if he’s world champion or whatever. If you look him in the eye and he knows he’s facing someone who’s willing to die and not give up the win, then technique is second and the first thing is heart.
“And I will tell you something, you can beat me physically, but mentally I will never give it. I’m not someone who predicts the future, and I cannot guarantee the win 100 per cent, but I will guarantee 1000 per cent that I’m not going there to lose.”
Surely, though, Lazzez grasps the magnitude of making his UFC bow at Fight Island, a most-probably one-off event created in response to the havoc the coronavirus crisis was wreaking on the world's lead MMA promotion.
He plans to steer clear of social media until then, to forget the intricacies of the deal signed with the UFC – Lazzez says he cannot disclose any details – and concentrate solely on himself.
“I’m trying to not let the event or this occasion overwhelm me or get emotional stress,” he says. “It’s just another fight. I’m doing every thing like before, but just adding some more professional stuff. But it’s simple: it’s me.
“I’ve been here on this stage for a long time. It’s just now it’s UFC and I have this light shining on me and the media and everything, but for me it’s just another fight.
“Of course, it’s very nice to be part of history and I’m super excited about it. I’ve been the first Arab to bring a belt to the UAE, the first Tunisian to sign for the UFC, the first Arab who’s born and raised in an Arab country to sign with UFC. So the fight being on an island, or wherever, it’s a fight. I don’t want to focus on anything else.”
Win on July 15, and win well, and his career could ignite. More UFC opportunities might be his reward. It’s a challenge Lazzez says, in a nod to his profession, he’ll grab “with both hands and legs”.
He recognises Fight Island could change his life. Not just for him, but his family in Tunisia, or his wife and son in Italy. And it's something he’s determined to embrace.
“Every normal human, when they see violence they run away from it,” Lazzez says. “For me, it’s a philosophy; I like to challenge myself, to get into that scary moment in front of another professional and try to control myself under that pressure, control my emotions and deliver that win.
“I feel like that moment is such glory. For a long time, I’ve wanted to be a world champion, wanted to be among the elite of the elite, not step in there just to take part. I want to be among the top five, the top three, if not champion. For me, the sky’s the limit.”
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.
Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.
The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Fixtures and results:
Wed, Aug 29:
- Malaysia bt Hong Kong by 3 wickets
- Oman bt Nepal by 7 wickets
- UAE bt Singapore by 215 runs
Thu, Aug 30: UAE v Nepal; Hong Kong v Singapore; Malaysia v Oman
Sat, Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong; Oman v Singapore; Malaysia v Nepal
Sun, Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman; Malaysia v UAE; Nepal v Singapore
Tue, Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore; UAE v Oman; Nepal v Hong Kong
Thu, Sep 6: Final
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE SPECS
Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 518bhp
Torque: 625Nm
Speed: 0-100kmh 5.3 seconds
Price: Dh633,435
On sale: now
WWE Super ShowDown results
Seth Rollins beat Baron Corbin to retain his WWE Universal title
Finn Balor defeated Andrade to stay WWE Intercontinental Championship
Shane McMahon defeated Roman Reigns
Lars Sullivan won by disqualification against Lucha House Party
Randy Orton beats Triple H
Braun Strowman beats Bobby Lashley
Kofi Kingston wins against Dolph Zigggler to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Mansoor Al Shehail won the 50-man Battle Royal
The Undertaker beat Goldberg
The Details
Kabir Singh
Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series
Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa
Rating: 2.5/5
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 one: how cars came to the UAE
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Movie: Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster 3
Producer: JAR Films
Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahie Gill, Chitrangda Singh, Kabir Bedi
Rating: 3 star
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Hotel Silence
Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
Pushkin Press
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch
Power: 710bhp
Torque: 770Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 340km/h
Price: Dh1,000,885
On sale: now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The years Ramadan fell in May
More coverage from the Future Forum
The five pillars of Islam
The years Ramadan fell in May
SPEC%20SHEET
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M2%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206%2C%20Bluetooth%205.0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%2C%20midnight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%20or%2035W%20dual-port%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C999%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
The five pillars of Islam
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
'Tell the Machine Goodnight' by Katie Williams
Penguin Randomhouse
More on Quran memorisation:
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
MATCH INFO
Southampton 0
Manchester City 1 (Sterling 16')
Man of the match: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
