Dubai: First Arab UFC fighter on a mission to redefine MMA in Mena region

Blades of dazzling laser lights sliced through the darkness as AC/DC's iconic rock anthem 'Thunderstruck' blasted from towering speakers, shaking the Coca-Cola Arena to its core and igniting the crowd like a bolt of electricity.
In the middle of the jam-packed and supercharged Dubai arena, the Octagon stood like an ancient gladiator's coliseum - the heart of 971 Fighting Championship's triumphant return. In its centre, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) history was waiting to be written on a night bristling with anticipation and energy.
It was a major leap from the promotion's modest debut at The Agenda in 2023 as over 6,000 screaming fans sat on the edge of their seats. This wasn't just an MMA fight night — it was a spectacle.
For Mounir Lazzez, a UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) veteran, Arab MMA pioneer, and the man behind 971 FC, it was a defining moment and the start of something much bigger.
'I'm absolutely blown away by the support we received,' said Lazzez, riding the adrenaline of the crowd's energy. 'The atmosphere was electric from the first fight to the final bell. Every single fighter gave it their all. And all the support we received felt overwhelming. We worked hard for this. I couldn't be more proud.'
Building a platform
Lazzez insists 971 FC is more than just another MMA event to join the likes of BRAVE CF or UAE Warriors; it's a movement born in the UAE, with ambitions to reshape the combat sports scene across the Middle East and beyond.
'This is not just a business,' Lazzez said with conviction. 'We're not doing this for profit. This is about legacy. We are a promotion made by a fighter, for the fighters from this region and out into the world.'
At the heart of 971 FC is an opportunity, especially for fighters who call the UAE and Mena region home — a platform built to elevate Arab talent onto the global stage.
'My highlight was seeing local fighters compete at home, on a world-class stage,' he said. 'They don't need to travel abroad anymore. We've built something in their own backyard, with high-quality production and international broadcasters — this is where they belong. This is where they share their dreams.'
Not Just a Fight Night
971 FC's uniqueness lies not just in its matchups, but in its showmanship. The second event wasn't just a series of fights but an immersive experience.
'We're not your traditional MMA show,' Lazzez explained. 'We mix sport with entertainment. This time, we brought not just some of the best Arab and international fighters, but dancers and hip hop legend Lloyd Banks to help turn the night into a full-scale entertainment spectacle.'
'We've tried to create a new level. We want people to feel something when they come to 971.'
The results speak for themselves. According to Lazzez, 971 FC - 2 garnered over 150 million views across Europe, with traction from the Middle East and Mena region, Canada, Australia, Kazakhstan, and beyond.
Global dreams, local roots
A proud Tunisian and Arab trailblazer who has called Dubai his home for over ten years, Lazzez knows what it takes to compete on the world's biggest stage, like the UFC or PFL. Now, he wants to ensure the next generation of fighters from the region has even more access to his sport with the help of expert coaching at centres like the 971 FC Academy.
Nicknamed 'The Sniper,' he boasts an impressive professional MMA record of 11 wins with just 3 losses, including 8 knockouts and an over 70 per cent finishing rate. He earned a stunning Fight of the Night performance in his 2020 UFC debut, securing a memorable win by defeating Abdul Razak Alhassan at UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs. Ige, held at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi.
On that night in 2020, Lazzez made history when he became the first fighter born and raised in an Arab country and trained by Arab coaches to compete in the UFC.
Before joining the UFC, Lazzez claimed the Desert Force welterweight title in 2015 and competed successfully across major Middle East promotions.
'We've already revealed superstars,' he said of 971 FC - 2. 'They're now making headlines across the world. The feedback has been insane, I've received thousands of comments and crazy statistics. I think we're catching the attention of fans, the media, and major broadcasters.'
Powerhouse night in Dubai
Meanwhile, at the Coca-Cola Arena, 971 FC - 2 delivered a night that firmly established the promotion as a powerhouse in the regional MMA scene.
With 11 finishes in 14 electrifying bouts, a groundbreaking live knockout bonus, and a stellar lineup of both Arab and international fighters, the event raised the bar for combat sports in the Middle East.
The main event saw undefeated Dagestan sensation Muhammad Mokaev maintain his flawless record, overpowering Brazil's Thomas Assis with relentless pressure and sharp control to claim a unanimous decision victory after three grueling rounds.
Not to be outdone, Russian newcomer Raimond Magomedaliev marked his promotional debut with a commanding submission win, locking in a kimura on Rio de Janeiro's Andrey Augusto Ferreira in the second round to thunderous applause.
A Mid-fight bonus like no other
The night reached a fever pitch during the explosive battle between welterweights Namo Fazil from Kurdistan and Chechnya's Yakub Suleimanov. After two intense rounds, veteran referee Grant Waterman surprised fans by announcing a $20,000 knockout bonus- offered live by 971 FC's own promoter Lazzez.
Rising to the challenge, Fazil delivered a devastating TKO in the third round, not only securing victory but also making history with what is believed to be the first-ever live KO bonus awarded mid-fight in MMA history.
Explosive finishes and star power
Former Bellator standout James Gallagher from Ireland returned with a sharp second-round armbar submission victory over Brazil's Fabricio Soares, showcasing his elite grappling skills and reaffirming his status as a fan favourite.
The night was packed with thrilling finishes, featuring dominant performances from Amin Ayoub (France), Ahmed Faress (Egypt), Mohamed Salem (Egypt), Adrian Sanchez (South Africa), and Junior Karanta (Sweden).
The event also drew MMA influencers and regional stars such as Iranian heavyweight Pouya Rahmani, Lebanon's Mohammad Karaki, and Jordanian MMA standout Ali Al Qaisi, who lent their expertise to the live commentary team.
When asked if 971 FC could produce a world-class MMA champion from the region, promoter and former UFC fighter Mounir Lazzez was unequivocal: 'Absolutely. We are already on the path.'
His commitment to growth and fighter-first values is what is driving the promotion's meteoric rise. Lazzez is not just building a promotion - he's shaping a legacy for Arab fighters — one punch, one fight at a time.
Fast Facts - 971 FC - 2
Founded by: Mounir Lazzez
Based in: Dubai
Debut: May 2023 at The Agenda

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