Global Fighting Championship comes to Dubai

Preparations are on in full swing to host the inaugural Global Fighting Championship (GFC) to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on May 29. Organised by Golden Cage Promotions and Events in association with Dubai Sports Council, the GFC will consist of seven fights with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) champions aiming to win a place in the GFC Grand Prix, as well as a four-man tournament to win the ultimate cash prize of Dh1 million. The GFC is a world-class international event bringing the biggest and best names in martial arts to Dubai. The four-man competition will witness Badr Hari, Peter Graham, Arnold Oborotov and Stefan Leko in action for the top prize. Amir Shafypour, promoter and managing director, Golden Cage Promotions and Events and a former MMA world champion, said: "The G.F.C. was founded to bring some of the world's biggest names and heavy hitters to the ring here in Dubai. The excitement of martial arts in conjunction with the glamour of Dubai will guarantee a spectacular night of entertainment.” The GFC held in Dubai will be the first of a series of fights that will be held later this summer in Turkey, Holland and Morocco. The four champions will then battle it out at the GFC Grand Prix where the winner of the unique four-way elimination fights will walk away with the Dh1 million prize. "We are very excited to host such an event and look forward to enjoying some high quality fights. By organising the GFC, we are creating a platform in Dubai that will be recognised globally for top quality martial arts and entertainment events,” Shafypour said. "We are honoured to be hosting such an event in Dubai. It is the first of its kind in the region and we look forward to watching the Global Fighting Championship grow into one of the biggest sports events that was launched in Dubai,” added Dr Ahmad Sa'ad Al Sharif, General Secretary, DSC. Tickets are available online via Platinum List, Virgin Tickets and Time Out Tickets and at retail outlets like ENOC/EPPCO Zoom stations and The Champion Club, JLT.