The weigh-in is notoriously renowned for the vicious stare downs as fighter’s size each other up for the last time before fight night. This was no different, if looks could kill, we would have seen a blood bath.

With the anticipation clearly building, a large crowd of enthusiastic fight fans gathered at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai to catch a glimpse of their favourite fighters. There were no surprises with all fighters making weight, setting the stage for what will be a historic card at Zayed Sports City this Friday night.

The most high profile fighter, Bob Sapp, weighed in at an astounding 159 kgs, dwarfing his opponent, the dangerous Stav Economou, in a match-up shaping up as a fan favourite. The biggest cheers were reserved for local Emirati hero Ali Mohamed Ahli, looking ripped and ready to rumble as he stood face to face with his undefeated Russian opponent Malik Omarov.

With the euphoria building, the championship belt was unveiled to the fans for the first time and all eyes quickly turned to the main event, where the ADFC title and a AED 1,000,000 purse are on the line in the ‘winner takes all’ bout. Marcos Oliveira, the Brazilian resident of Abu Dhabi, looked in the shape of his life, coming off a gruelling three-month training camp, having flown in a host of international trainers and training partners in preparation. Marcos weighed in at 120kgs, which was 15kgs more than his opponent, but he gives up an obvious height advantage, in what is officially listed as an open weight contest.

Marcos and Shamil faced up then embraced in stark contrast to undercard fighters Sapp and Economou, who butted heads and had to be separated by Randall Yogachandra, the Chief Operations Officer of I SEE Entertainment and Events.

The surprise of the night belonged to Titiana Van Polanen and Outi Louhimo, who were both welcomed by a rapturous crowd, as they prepared to be become the first ever female fighters to contest a professional bout in the MENA region.

Yogachandra went on to suggest that, “We were quite surprised with the amount of support we’ve gathered for this fight. It just goes to show you that Mixed Martial Arts is a legitimate sport that can be enjoyed by both men and women, regardless of any stereotypes which may still exist about gender roles. This is a very historic moment for the region and truly defines a change in the way that women are perceived here”.

With millions at stake, a championship at stake, pride and history at stake, after months of preparation and anticipation, the formalities are finally over and the fighters are primed and ready to put it all on the line.

Join the fighters at the official ADFC after party at the aloft hotel at Abu Dhabi. Tickets for ADFC Round 3 on March 11 are selling fast and retailing for AED: 150, 300, 700, and 1200. These can still be purchased from the I SEE Entertainment and Events office located in the Royal Marina Villas (behind Marina Mall), Villa Number 23 or through www.boxofficeme.com, www.timeouttickets.com, www.ticketingboxoffice.com, www.ticketingco.com, Spinney’s Super Markets, ENOC & EPPCO stations, and at Virgin Megastores around the UAE.

For more information about the event, or to schedule an interview with the fighters or organizers, please contact Mr. Ahmad Dajani on +971 50 782 7575 or [email protected]