MMA superstar Prince McLean says his sport is buzzing with the hope that Dubai is on the road to becoming a superpower of the industry.
With the UFC taking residence at ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi, and signing a long-term deal to continue hosting fights, the eyes of the fighting world have been cast on the UAE.
Other promoters are also making waves in the region and beyond – with PaRus Fight Championship being at the forefront.
They return to Dubai on November 6 – promising to be bigger, bolder and louder version of their unique blend of MMA and entertainment.
The night will feature a unique synthesis of music and fight with the open-air Events Arena of Jumeirah Beach Hotel being transformed to house one of the most visually spectacular shows on Dubai’s sporting calendar.
One of the superstar names on the card is McLean.
The 35-year-old is full of experience, including an appearance on the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter series, and has completed all over the world – he sees Dubai standing in MMA and combat sports very much on the rise.
“You look at the PaRus line-up and it is so strong – the MMA world is really looking at Dubai and how it is growing a major player. Events like this, with the quality of talent on display is only going to add to that.”
While traditional hotbeds of MMA include the United States, Brazil, and the Far East, McLean says it is critical for the growth of the sport to have new territories emerge – and Dubai is perfectly poised to do so.
The city has already become a training base for some of the world’s top fighters, so the natural progression is for high-level events to follow.
“We need new territories to come into the spotlight and there are a lot of MMA greats based in Dubai now – and when you mix that in with the work of promoters such as PaRus it is getting strong and stronger,” said McLean.
“All those involved are putting in some major work in camps and this is going to be a few days full of explosive combat.”
McLean will bring his 8-8 record to Dubai when he takes on Petr Romankevich, and is promising to light up the JBH Events Arena with a dazzling display for the fans.
“I am in this to be the best competitor possible but I will put on a show for the crowds in Dubai and from what we have been shown the venue is spectacular.”
