Somalia’s Muhidin Abubakar Makes History at UAE Warriors 60

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AX) — On an electrifying Friday night, Muhidin Abubakar, the trailblazing fighter from Somalia, made his mark in martial arts history by defeating Victor “Sombra” Nunes from Brazil by unanimous decision at UAE Warriors 60. This victory not only secured him the interim flyweight title but also made him the first Somali fighter to ever clinch a championship within this promotion.

Competing at the impressive Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, Abubakar, now boasting a professional record of 10 wins and 1 loss, showcased his evolution as a fighter. Leaning into a strategy filled with improved grappling techniques and dominant positional control, Abubakar successfully outpointed Nunes (whose record stands at 11-6) over five exhilarating rounds. This win sets the stage for an anticipated unification bout against the reigning champion, Iago Ribeiro (13-3), also hailing from Brazil.

“I’m really overwhelmed by tonight’s result,” Abubakar shared with palpable joy and gratitude after the bout. “To take back a title belt means everything—it’s proof of the hard yards I’ve put in since that defeat. It was a tough fight, but I believe I deserved this win.” These words echo the heart of every athlete who has faced setbacks and strived for greatness. How many of us can relate to that moment of doubt followed by an awakening of ambition?

His title run marks a significant turnaround in a career that, like many, has seen its share of highs and lows. Reflecting on a pivotal moment in September 2022, Abubakar recounted the day he faced his only professional loss to South Africa’s Luthando Biko at UAE Warriors 32. “That day I went back dejected and disappointed. But I was determined. I promised myself I would return stronger, smarter, and hungrier,” Abubakar recalled with a hint of melancholy yet fierce resolve. “I was going to be a better fighter—no matter what it took.”

And take it he did. Since that significant defeat, the London-based fighter captured the spotlight by winning three straight bouts in UAE Warriors, showcasing a much more rounded skill set. Originally known for his karate-based striking, he has developed a grappling game that is adept and sharp. During Friday’s match, he controlled Nunes, demonstrating meticulous transitions and superior positional awareness that kept the Brazilian on his back foot. It suggests a question worth pursuing: How do the challenges we face shape our resilience?

The victory trends Abubakar’s professional record into impressive territory, now featuring five wins by knockout or TKO, two by submission, and three by decision. His rise reflects a broader narrative—one that sees a growing wave of East African fighters breaking through onto global stages. Abubakar not only secured a title but also reached a significant milestone for Somali representation in professional combat sports.

According to Tapology, Abubakar is currently ranked No. 2 among flyweights in the U.K. and Ireland, with a rank of No. 4 in both the Middle East and Africa. This ranking symbolizes not just personal achievement but a burgeoning acknowledgment of his talent within one of MMA’s fastest-growing divisions.

UAE Warriors 60 wasn’t just a platform for Abubakar; it was an event packed with global talent. With 12 bouts featuring 24 fighters representing 17 different countries, the night was a celebration of diverse martial arts culture. Notable attendees included Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakhbut Al Nahyan, president of the Asian Chess Federation, and Abdel Moneim Al Hashemi, chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, adding a touch of prestige to the night’s festivities.

In the co-main event, another thrilling story unfolded. Canadian UFC veteran Tanner Boser marked his UAE Warriors debut with a TKO victory over Brazil’s Vinicius Moreira, demonstrating the caliber of fighters that graced the card. Additionally, Ukraine’s Vladislav Rudnev maintained his unbeaten streak with a unanimous decision win over Poland’s Piotr Niedzielski in a welterweight clash, proving the global nature of this dynamic sport.

As Abubakar basks in the glory of his hard-earned title, the anticipation builds for his upcoming bout against Ribeiro. This unification match offers him the opportunity to anchor his place among MMA’s rising stars. As fans and enthusiasts alike count down to this pivotal encounter, one can’t help but wonder: what more will this fighter achieve?

In a sport where discipline, hard work, and the hunger for victory rule, Muhidin Abubakar’s journey reminds us that greatness often arises from the ashes of failure. His story is just beginning, and the world is watching.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.