The UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation has promised an unmissable UAM Fight Night K1 Pro at Etihad Arena tomorrow, February 11. Headlined by the hotly anticipated fight between Great Britain’s Michael Wakeling “The Punisher” and UAE champion Ilyass Habibali, the event will include international 28 male and female fighters from different countries, competing across various weight classes.
Ahead of the event, the medical examination and weighing stages for all participants were completed on Friday, at the Yas Island Rotana Hotel, where the participating international delegations are staying. The UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation also held a press conference that was attended by Fahad Alabdouli, Director of Sports Activities at UAE Muaythai and Kickboxing Federation and Carlos Ramjanali, WAKO PRO CFO/Business Development and External Relations Director, EMEA. Additionally, Habibali and Wakeling attended the press conference at Yas Island on Friday, discussing their individual preparations, aspirations, and promising kickboxing fans an unforgettable fight inside the Etihad Arena tomorrow.
For his part, Fahad Alabdouli, Director of Sports Activities at UAE Muaythai and Kickboxing Federation said: “We are pleased to organise the UAM Fight Night K1 Pro championship with the participation of the world’s elite professionals, in cooperation with the International Kickboxing Federation.”
Expressing his deepest thanks and gratitude to the wise leadership for its continuous support and endorsement of the sports development process. “The championship is the result of the directives and support of His Excellency Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, Chairman of the UAE Muaythai and Kickboxing Federation, President of the Arab Muay Thai Federation and Vice President of the Asian Federation.” He added “the event is a main component the agenda of the Federation’s activities, which constantly aspires to enhance activities and events that will enhance Abu Dhabi’s standing as one of the most sought-after combat sports destinations.”
He also stressed that all the preparations for the event have been completed, and they are looking forward to an exceptional tournament distinguished from all aspects and wishing the participants all the best.”
Carlos Ramjanali, WAKO PRO CFO/Business Development and External Relations Director, EMEA said: “It’s a pleasure to be in Abu Dhabi. This sport is becoming even more popular across Asia and a special thank you to the UAEMKF for their huge support for our sport. Tomorrow night we will see a mix of established stars and the next generation as we continue our mission to develop the sport and give a platform for future stars.
“Since 2018 we have been part of the Olympic family and hopefully this year, we will achieve our goal to be included in the Olympics. Events such as this will only help showcase what our community and sport stand for: transparency, commitment, a clean sport, development pathways for future athletes.”
Commenting on his participation in the championship, Ilyass Habibali, who first caught the eye of the international kickboxing community in 2018 by winning gold at that year’s IFMA World Championships in Mexico, said: “I promise I will keep the victory here in Abu Dhabi. I know Michael will want to take the title back to the UK, but it will be staying here for the fans, and for the UAE.”
Wakeling, a three-time Enfusion, IKF, and WMC world champion, added: “It’s a real pleasure to be here to show what I can do, and fight in Abu Dhabi for the first time. I’ve been doing a lot of K1 drills in preparation, and I think I’ve got the tools to win on Saturday night. I know Ilyas is a strong fighter, but I know I have what it takes to victory.”
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