Emirati athlete Rakan Alyammahi captured a gold medal in the Youth B Men’s 44kg division after a decisive victory over Ireland’s Roman Verhoeven in the final. This performance bolstered the UAE’s standing on the third day of the IMMAF Youth World Championships, currently being held at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. His teammate, Mustafa Almaqboul, also contributed to the host nation’s success by securing a bronze medal in the same weight class.
These latest achievements brought the UAE Mixed Martial Arts National Team’s total medal count to 17, consisting of six gold, five silver, and six bronze medals. The Youth B category, featuring athletes aged 14 to 15, commenced on Wednesday. The tournament has drawn significant international participation, with more than 1,100 athletes representing 55 countries competing for top honors.
The Youth B competition is scheduled to run over two days, characterized by intense bouts that challenge the young athletes’ adaptability and decision-making under high-pressure scenarios. Mohammed Hussein Al Marzooqi, a board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized the strategic importance of the event. He noted that hosting a tournament of this scale allows Abu Dhabi to refine its organizational capabilities and gain vital experience annually.
Al Marzooqi highlighted that the event serves as a global gathering for national teams, coaches, referees, and medical professionals to exchange knowledge. He stated that the ultimate goal is to solidify Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier hub for combat sports by fostering the development of local talent and maintaining high safety and organizational standards. According to Al Marzooqi, each of the five editions hosted in the city has provided a platform to test international benchmarks and share the UAE’s expertise with the global community.
Raed Jameel Abbas, President of the Iraqi Mixed Martial Arts Federation, observed that the championship reflects the rapid growth of the sport. He remarked that at this developmental stage, the focus extends beyond competition to teaching young athletes discipline, self-control, and respect for rules. He added that when families witness their children competing in a secure, well-managed environment supported by professional staff, they gain a deeper appreciation for the sport’s role in character building.
The tournament also highlights family dedication, exemplified by Emirati siblings Rakan and Khale Rakan and Khaleifah Alyammahi. Rakan, who secured his gold on Wednesday, noted that their parents encouraged them to channel their natural energy into the sport. Rakan, a four-time competitor who has previously earned gold and silver at these championships, trains alongside his brother at the same gym. He credited his brother’s presence as a significant source of support.
For some, the championship represents the fulfillment of long-held family ambitions. Anup Kalita, father of Indian competitor Kunal Kalita, who is participating in the Youth B 62kg division, shared that he was unable to pursue combat sports in his own youth due to various responsibilities. He expressed his commitment to supporting his children’s athletic journeys, stating, “I will support them in every way I can. I hope my son can continue in the sport, compete professionally one day and win many medals.”
Armenian athlete Arin Hakobyan, also competing in the Youth B category, reflected on the intensity of the preparation required for the event. He noted that months of rigorous training culminate in just a few minutes inside the cage, underscoring the importance of every practice session. For Hakobyan, the experience is about more than just the final result; it is about honoring the support of his family and coaches while testing his skills against the best in his age group.
The Youth B competition is set to conclude on Thursday, after which the championship will transition to the Youth A category for athletes aged 16 to 17, beginning on Friday. The report also notes that so our parents encouraged us to take up MMA and put that energy into the sport, rakan said: “We used to fight at home anyway. The report also notes that “We train together at the same gym with the same coach, and having my brother with me is a big support. The report also notes that now I am in a position to give my children the opportunities I didn’t have.
