Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Demian Maia hails Abu Dhabi support
UFC star says sport is growing thanks to tournaments like ongoing event in capital
Abu Dhabi: Even as some of the world’s best Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighters, including dozens of Emiratis, were involved in day two action at the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2013, a former legend hailed the strong support the sport has received from Abu Dhabi.
While the Brazilians continued to dominate, the UAE nationals, who claimed seven medals on the opening day, impressed with their skills in the Dh1.42million event being held under the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Brazilian Demian Maia, one of the two UFC legends who are special guests at the tournament, told Gulf News: “The sport has received tremendous support and has been growing at a very fast pace. There is no country in the world that is investing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu like it is being done here and the rewards are already there to see.”
“Jiu-jitsu is very ‘democratic’, it does not matter how you are physically — it is all about your mind, and a lot of technique,” said Maia, who has won 18 of his 22 mixed martial arts (MMA) fights.
“I have seen guys who are like 60kg winning over guys over 120kg many times in my life. There is no secret. If you invest and work hard there is no doubt that in a few years you will be among the top fighters in the world,” added the 35-year-old, who is a third degree black belt.
Emirati Obaid Khamis Al Kaabi won a gold medal on the opening day. Afterwards he said: “It is a great start to the tournament in front of a fantastic crowd. It was a tough fight against a good opponent and I’m proud to win gold.”
“I am feeling confident for the year ahead but I know that there is still a lot of hard work ahead of me.”
Ahmad Suhail Al Ketbi also put in a great performance in the male blue/purple belt 76kg category. He celebrated victory after a very close fight.
Abdul Munam Al Hashemi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The action lived up to the hype and the expectations everyone had. The capacity crowd was treated to some world-class jiu-jitsu from the strongest line-up in the history of the tournament.
“If the action continues, fans will be in for a fantastic treat. This is a free event and fans should not miss this opportunity to see great artists of their field in action.”
