It’s an event that no kickboxing fan will want to miss as some of the biggest competitors gear up for the Global Fighting Championship (GFC) in Dubai on Friday.
– Vieira anticipating Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu championships
– #Quiz360: WIN a group paintball session at ZSC
At the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, current WBC Muay Thai Super Cruiserweight World Champion Steve McKinnon headlines the strong field, which also includes Light Heavyweight World Champion Gokhan Saki and GFC 2 tournament winner Ismael Lazaar.
Since being launched in 2014, GFC has grown to be hugely popular around the world thanks to the likes of American Muay Thai champion Dewey Cooper and Morocco’s Badr Hari competing in previous editions.
Dubai is no stranger to hosting GFC events with their last edition in October attracting thousands of spectators. And with a promising fight card, tomorrow’s event looks set to be another huge success.
On Friday, 17th April 2015, The Global Fighting Championship returns to Dubai! pic.twitter.com/MsVeDFt6Gs
— Dubai Tour (@dubaitour) April 15, 2015
Twelve fights will take place from 19:00 (gates open at 18:00) and while all will be thrilling, the GFC four-man tournament will be one of the highlights on the night.
Australia’s McKinnon and Azerbaijan’s Zabit Samedov will face off in the first semi-final before the winner takes on Jafar Ahmadi or Danyo Ilunga for the Dh1 million prize in the final.
On top of that, Saki, crowned European and world Muay Thai champions in 2002 and 2003, will make his comeback after a year.
The Turkish-Dutch fighter will showcase his striking skills in his bid of claiming his career’s 32nd win against Romania’s Sebastian Ciobanu in the Heavyweight Superfight.
Fans can look forward to exciting bouts including Thailand’s Jamnian Srikam match against Iran’s Saeed Nouri Long in the Super Welterweight bout, while Romania’s Adrian Garlonta meets Iran’s Jamshid Givehchi in the Middleweight division.
Lazaar will go head-to-head against Turkey’s big-hitter Fatih Ulusoy. Also, Great Britain’s Jason Woodham fights Iran’s Masoud Minaei, while New Zealand’s Bradley Riddell will clash with Afghanistan’s Maseh Nuristani.
It promises to be an amazing night of high quality bouts and Steve Patrick, head of media and events at GFC, insists it is not one to be missed.
“Fans will be treated to an evening of non-stop action,” he said. “They will get to see what warrior mentality is all about and that is knocking his opponent out or get knocked out. With some of the top fighters in Dubai, expect to see some thrilling bouts especially as Gokhan Saki will be returning to the ring after a year’s absence.”
He added: “The Global Fighting Championship is by far the world’s fastest rising combat sport organisation. Our aim is to provide fans the best martial arts entertainment experience and we are determined to put on a good show where fans are promised amazing bouts of high quality.
“Our last event in Dubai was a huge success as thousands flocked to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium to watch their favourite kickboxers. They weren’t disappointed as they put on a great show and I am sure Friday’s event will be another success.”
WHAT: Global Fighting Championship Series 3
WHEN: Tomorrow (Friday) from 19:00. Gates open at 18:00.
WHERE: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium (scan QR Code above for exact location)
Sport360° VERDICT: If you love kickboxing or MMA, then this is one you don’t want to miss.
CONTACT: For more information visit www.globalfightingchampionship.com. Tickets can be purchased at EPPCO and ENOC petrol stations or at Virgin Megastores or online at www.timeouttickets.com, www.tickets.virginmegastore.me or www.platinumlist.net/tickets.
