Mohamad Walid already cannot wait for more packed out ONE Fighting Championship events, after he won the all-UAE contest at the World Trade Centre yesterday.
The reigning Dubai FC welterweight champion showed his class on the undercard of the packed bill of mixed martial arts, making more experienced opponent Vaughn Donayre submit in the first round with an excruciating armbar.
The Khulood Club fighter – who represents Syria despite hailing from Abu Dhabi – pumped his fist with joy after the referee called time on the 76kg catchweight contest against his Dubai-resident opponent, leaping up to the top of the cage to celebrate with his vocal supporters.
“It is crazy. I love my crowd,” he said. “I wish to come here for a goal and I want the belt for ONE FC.
“It is amazing that ONE FC has come here. I said when I signed the contract that I wish it was 12 contracted fights not six.
“It is the biggest organisation I have fought for and the best. It is a big step in my life.”
Walid has been born and bred in the UAE, claiming a gold medal at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu Jitsu Cup in 2010. The karate black belt now boasts an unbeaten 4-0 professional record following last night’s event.
He entered the ring in traditional dress, and conducted his post-fight interviews similarly attired following his swift dismantling of Donayre.
He said: “I am from Abu Dhabi, I am Arabic in the end. I have to represent my country very well. I have to represent UAE, Dubai, everyone.
“I love my coaches and I love my family. It is not about me as a fighter, fighting runs into my family’s blood. All my brothers are martial-arts fighters.”
There were contrasting emotions with The Champion Club’s Donayre, his pre-fight 7-1-0 record counting for little in the ring once floored for the second time in front of Filipino fans in the crowd.
“It is, what it is. I was going to go in and do it right there, I had a good game plan but he controlled me by taking me down,” he said.
“I thank the Filipino community who were here today. I also thank the UAE and the ONE FC for coming here.”