Hadi Omar Al Hussaini: UAE’s MMA star ready to punch above his weight

Dubai: Under the bright lights of Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, Hadi Omar Al Hussaini stood victorious, arms raised in triumph. The roar of the hometown crowd echoed through the venue — this was more than just a win. It was a statement.

The Professional Fighters League’s Road to Dubai Champions Series provided a massive stage for the UAE fighter, who seized his moment with a unanimous decision victory over Filipino opponent Roel Panales.

“It is very important for me. A big, big victory. To be able to win in front of my people in my city, in Dubai, in a big event like PFL, on a big night. It’s a historical win for me. Very tough fight, very tough opponent. I’m so proud for this win,” Al Hussaini said after securing the unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).

With a professional record of 5-1-1, Al Hussaini is a top prospect in the sport. He signed a multi-fight deal with the PFL in 2024 and trains out of the American Kickboxing Academy. Four of his victories have come in the first round. However, he suffered his first professional defeat in the PFL, getting submitted by Ziad Ayman Mokhtar in PFL MENA. Determined to bounce back, Al Hussaini stuck to his game plan in Dubai, controlling his opponent on the ground.

“He is a very good striker. It was a tough fight. I was sticking to my strength, and it worked. I knew that he would kick, and we were both ready for each other,” Al Hussaini said, adding that MMA has a bright future in the UAE.

“UAE is the capital of MMA, like we’re seeing now. There’s a big federation for UAE martial arts, and a lot of young athletes are coming through as amateurs. This is the first step — creating this amateur level — and then building them up to be professionals, enabling them to compete in big events,” he said.

For aspiring talents, he advised: “If you really want to be in MMA, then keep fighting. Keep growing yourself and showcase your skills in small events, which will enable you to compete on a bigger stage.”

MMA and jiu-jitsu are gaining massive popularity in the UAE, with several jiu-jitsu events taking place throughout the year. The nation’s efforts are yielding results — last year, the UAE team successfully defended the adult category title at the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship for the fifth consecutive year. The team secured nine medals, including two gold, three silver, and four bronze, further cementing their standing on the global jiu-jitsu stage in Greece.

“UAE is one of the best markets for MMA. The number of facilities here has grown, and the quality of events is absolutely exceptional. It’s not just MMA — look at jiu-jitsu. UAE is one of the countries where jiu-jitsu is most popular. It’s taught in schools, and they start at a young age. By the time they reach 21 or 22, they are ready to step into MMA. PFL will provide the opportunities for these talents to make the transition and express themselves,” said Jerome Mazet, General Manager of PFL Mena.

Murray outlined the PFL’s roadmap for developing MMA talent in the UAE.

“We started last year with Saudi when we signed a couple of Saudi fighters, and we want to do the same with the UAE and Emirati fighters. It’s about identifying the talents of tomorrow — male and female amateur fighters — helping them develop over one to two years, then turning them pro and giving them opportunities to grow as professionals.

“It’s really a long-term vision. We’re looking at a three-to-five-year plan to develop the talents of tomorrow while also making today’s fighters better. We want to give fighters like Hadi more opportunities and continue to develop them into regional champions — or maybe even world champions.”

With top-tier platforms and opportunities available, the UAE has positioned itself as a powerhouse in combat sports. Fighters like Al Hussaini are proving that the country’s MMA talent is ready for the biggest stages. From jiu-jitsu to mixed martial arts, the UAE is no longer just a host for major events — it is becoming a breeding ground for the next generation of champions.