There is a whole lot of activity in the world of MMA this week. The UFC 267 event is happening in Abu Dhabi, but the UAE also showcases their MMA promotions. The UAE Warriors promotion will be putting on two major events this week, and they start it off with their UAE Warriors 23: Arabia 5 fight card. This specific card will specially showcase the best MMA talent from the Middle Eastern region. The main event was initially supposed to be Mohamad Osseili going up against Yousri Belgaroui, but, due to unfortunate events, the co-main got bumped up to that top spot. Below is the breakdown of that main event, as well as the full run-through of the card to get you ready ahead of the event.
Main Event: Hussein Salem vs. Yousif Ghrairi
The exciting main event will see Hussein “Buffalo” Salem (7-3) vs. Yousif “The Widow Maker” Ghrairi (8-2). These fighters have had 10 pro fights each already and, as a result, could be considered to have about the same amount of experience. This bout will serve as Ghrairi’s debut fight for the promotion. Both Salem and Ghrairi have only had one fight this year – coincidentally, they both happened to be at the BRAVE CF 48 event. Salem and Ghrairi both left that event with TKO/KO victories. Salem could be considered somewhat of a submission specialist with most of his victories coming by way of submission, however, he can also end the fight via KO/TKO and do enough to get the decision wins too. Ghrairi, on the other hand, seems to always strive for a straight KO/TKO victory, as almost all of his victories have come that way. Ghrairi’s losses have all come by way of decision, which would suggest that he is able to defend himself well and avoid any finishes. This will be a hard-hitting clash as Salem looks to extend his winning streak to 4, but a determined Ghrairi will be looking to make an impactful promotional debut.
UAE Warriors 23: Arabia 5 Fight Card
Hussein Salem vs. Yousif Ghrairi [Featherweight Bout]
Mohamed Juma vs. Sofiane Boukichou [Heavyweight Bout]
Nawras Abzakh vs. Mohamed Gamal [Flyweight Bout]
Youssef Wehbe vs. Yassin Najid [Welterweight Bout]
Nart Abida vs. Nabil Igli [Lightweight Bout]
Hadi Omar Al Hussaini vs. Hasan Abdelhafez [Flyweight Bout]
Lina Fayyad vs. Mona Ftouhi [Catchweight Bout]
Kher Khalifa Eshoushan vs. Omran Chaaban [Welterweight Bout]
Ahmed Mohamed Abdul Raouf vs. Fouad Al Shami [Bantamweight Bout]
Mohamad Al Katheeri vs. Mahmoud Atef [Flyweight Bout]
Hassan Elmir vs. Ferhat Abkari [Middleweight Bout]
UAE Warriors 23: Arabia 5 will take place on October 28th with a start time of 6pm GST / 10am ET. The event will be available to watch on UFC Fight Pass.
Featured Image courtesy of UAE Warriors
