If the upcoming UFC 267: BLACHOWICZ vs. TEIXEIRA has inspired you to become a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) champion, two of the sport’s top coaches are heading to Abu Dhabi to get you fighting fit through a unique training programme.
As part of the second Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, MMA coach Firas Zahabi and Mounir ‘The Sniper’ Lazzez, the UAE-based Tunisian UFC fighter, will be leading the first-of-its-kind Escape and Evolve programme, featuring workshops and training sessions to teach the mental and physical skills needed to succeed in the sport.
Zahabi is the former coach of Georges St-Pierre, one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, and current Head Trainer at Canada’s famous Tristar Gym. He will team up with Lazzez, a fighter in the UFC’s welterweight division with eight professional wins by knockout, to help Escape and Evolve attendees sharpen their MMA skills and functional fitness through hybrid training and combat conditioning. The training will be followed by insightful Q&A sessions and immersive workshops with the coaches.
The Escape and Evolve staycation has been designed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the organiser of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, to provide 30 MMA enthusiasts of all skill levels with unique insights and exposure, in line with Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become the Middle East’s MMA capital.
“The UAE is a nation that has already adopted jiu-jitsu both in practice and by hosting the most prestigious event in the Abu Dhabi Combat Club world championships. Now that UFC has found a regular home in the UAE, it is only a matter of time before the UAE becomes the hotbed for Mixed Martial Arts,” said Zahabi.
“Jiu-Jitsu is the key element to a good Mixed Martial Arts programme so we will definitely be doing a lot of jiu-jitsu [in the workshops]. However, the other elements of MMA need lots of attention as well, so I will be addressing both key elements of wrestling and striking as well.”
Lazzez said: “The sport is growing rapidly in the region, attracting foreign talent and coaches who are positively influencing the game. It was a lot more challenging back in the early stages of my career. In the UAE now, there are a lot of gyms, coaches and all the right equipment needed to succeed.
“When you get the proper experience from real fights, it allows you to focus on the simple and effective techniques. It makes you want to teach and pass on the knowledge about what works and what can help you win. It keeps you focussed and honest. The experience in the cage and the UFC octagon has elevated the sport in this region to a whole new level, opened the doors to high-level competition and pushed us all to level up our game.”
Lazzez’s main piece of advice for young fighters is to focus on putting in the hard work rather than raising their social media profile. “People should know that if you win you will progress, and your profile will grow. if you don’t, you will not grow and no matter how active you are on social media, it won’t change. Knowing that truth will help one stay focussed and humble. Ring and cage fame is what matters, not Instagram fame,” he said.
Attendees at the Escape and Evolve staycation will also be able to register to attend Abu Dhabi Showdown Week activities including the UFC 267 Ceremonial Weigh-in at Etihad Arena on Friday 29 October.
Bronze packages start at AED 2,200 and include tickets to UFC 267, an overnight stay at the W Abu Dhabi hotel, breakfast and lunch, four training sessions with coaches Zahabi and Lazzez, workshops focussing on mindset and recovery, as well as merchandise.
UFC 267: BLACHOWICZ vs. TEIXEIRA marks the hotly anticipated return of UFC to its international home at Etihad Arena on 30 October. The event features two title fights, headlined by the light-heavyweight match-up between Polish champion Jan Blachowicz and the Brazilian top-ranked contender Glover Teixeira. Tickets are still available at etihadarena.ae and ticketmaster.ae
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