Arab and UAE-based warriors set to battle at 971 Fighting Championship 2 in Dubai

All eyes will be on Dubai this June as 971 Fighting Championship 2 explodes into the Coca-Cola Arena, bringing a high-octane night of mixed martial arts action to the heart of the UAE.

Founded by UFC veteran Mounir Lazzez, 971FC is fast becoming a flagship platform for showcasing Arab talent and international prospects in the Middle East.

The upcoming event on June 14 is no exception, with a stacked card headlined by undefeated phenom Muhammad Mokaev (14-0, 1 NC), and the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé Saygid Izagakhmaev (22-2).

Ahmed “The Prince” Fares of Egypt (L) returns to the 971FC cage following a  win against Finland’s Jerry Kvarnstrom in May 4, 2024. -Supplied Photo

In the main event, Briton-based Russian athlete Mokaev faces Kazakhstan’s Alisher Gabdullin (15-4) in a high-stakes flyweight clash while in the co-main, Izagakhmaev meets Congo’s Pupanga Tresor (10-3) in a welterweight bout that’s expected to deliver fireworks.

But it’s not just the main events drawing attention — the undercard is packed with Arab fighters and UAE-based contenders ready to leave their mark: Ahmed “The Prince” Fares (21-8) of Egypt returns to the 971FC cage following a highlight-reel standing guillotine win against Finland’s Jerry Kvarnstrom in the first round at 2:33 on May 4, 2024.

A fan favourite across the region, Fares will battle Colombia’s Eduardo Mora (9-6-2), who fights out of the Abu Dhabi Martial Arts Academy (ADMA) as a resident coach.

Tough Test

Elie “The Wolverine” Mansour (2-0), a Dubai-based Lebanese lightweight, steps up for his toughest test yet against Georgia’s Bondo Meskhi, who has demonstrated a strong foundation in wrestling and a physical, pressure-heavy fighting style.

Mansour’s sharp striking and cage control have earned him a strong local fan following — now he’ll look to remain unbeaten on what he calls home soil.

Yazan Jaber, representing Jordan, brings clean striking and a calm, composed style to his bout with England’s Grant Ogborne who brings his trademark grit and boxing skills to the cage. This matchup is a showcase of rising Middle Eastern talent vs European grit.

A brawl could be on the cards when Japhet Dequito, a promising fighter from Manila, Philippines faces UK’s Max Flynn, who lives and trains in Dubai. Both lightweights are known for pressure and power.

High-Octane Showdow

In the featherweight ranks Tunisia's Maazri Ammar (2-1-1) enters a high-octane showdown with India’s Suraj Singh Patel (1-0) in a matchup of pressure versus precision.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s Mohamed Salem (7-2-2), a former national champ with deep regional roots, clashes with Poland’s Łukasz Szala — a wild, rangy welterweight with knockout power.

From seasoned veterans to regional hopefuls, 971 Fighting Championship 2 is more than just a fight night — it’s a celebration of the UAE’s role as a growing epicentre for global MMA, blending local pride with an international flavour.

Tickets are now on sale at the Coca-Cola Arena, Platinum List, and Virgin Megastore.

At A Glance

What: 971 Fighting Championship 2

When: Saturday, June 14, 2025,

Where: Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Event time: Doors open 6:30 PM, main event 8:00 PM.