JEDDAH — Four Saudis will participate in the Desert Force Championship for mixed martial arts (MMA), to be held next week in the Kingdom for the first time. The championship, which will see the Arab world's top-ranked MMA fighters compete, will be hosted at Jeddah's Arena Sports Club, one of the largest self-defense and physical fitness establishments in the world. The championship will include numerous contestants and MMA fighters from all over the Arab world. The main title match of the Desert Force championship will see Saudi contestant Abdulaziz Julaidan from Jeddah pitted against Abdulkarim Al-Salwadi from Jordan. The Academy for Athletic Training's general manager Hussain Madi said the championship consists of 13 matches and only VIP club member will be allowed to attend. “The entire event will be broadcast live on MBC Action,” said Madi who added that the Kingdom must pay more attention to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. “It (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) is one of the most important sports worldwide as it strengthens your mental skills. It teaches you how to defend yourself against someone who is larger and stronger than you,” said Madi. He then added that the self-defense trainers available in the Kingdom are world champions in their field. The academy aims to attract boys between the ages of 7 and 14 and enroll them in a special age-appropriate program. Other age groups can find suitable programs at the academy as well. “Over the next five years, we plan to train local fighters who will be fit to participate in world championships and increase the appeal of mixed martial arts across the Kingdom,” said Madi.
