Burj Khalifa District to Host HFC Human Fighting Championship, Showcasing 32 International Competitors

Dubai, UAE – OCTOBER 19, 2020 – Under the patronage of the Dubai Sports Council and organized by the Hobbies Club, Dubai is set to host the first edition of the groundbreaking Human Fighting Championship (HFC) on Friday, November 6, 2020.

The organizing committee officially announced the details at a press conference held yesterday at the Grand Millennium Al Barsha hotel. The event was attended by His Excellency Advisor Aref bin Ali AlAbbar, Chairman of the Hobbies Club, Mr. Aymen Ben Haj, Founder and CEO of the HFC organization, international referee Helmi Al-Andalusi, a roster of competing fighters, and representatives from sponsoring entities and media outlets.

Scheduled to take place at the Burj Khalifa district from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the event will adhere to strict official health and safety protocols. While public attendance will be limited, the championship will be broadcast live on RBC TV and across the event’s official social media channels, ensuring global access.

The inaugural HFC will feature 32 elite mixed martial artists representing 19 nations, including the UAE, France, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Ukraine, Palestine, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon, Jordan, Cameroon, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uganda, Syria, Egypt, and Uzbekistan.

Notable competitors include:

• Anas Siraj Mounir (Morocco) with a record of 8 wins, 2 losses

• Izzaldeen Al-Derbany (Jordan) with a record of 10 wins, 2 losses

• Mohamed Eid (Egypt) with a record of 9 wins, 7 losses

• Najmuddin Al-Haddad (Canada) with 1 win

• Ibrahim El-Sawy (Egypt) with a record of 6 wins, 8 losses

• Shakalov (Tajikistan) with 2 wins

Overseeing the matches will be a 12-member refereeing panel, led by renowned international referee Helmi Al-Andalusi. The panel includes respected officials such as Frank Spanner, Marcello, Kan Gamal, Ahmed Zaki, Ghaliya Baqi, Ramzi Yahya, Marchel Kelly, Mohamed Ibrahim, Lisa, Ben John, and Cloyd.

Each bout will consist of three 5-minute rounds with one-minute intervals. The HFC has established a strict code of conduct, expressly prohibiting any profanity, offensive language, or unethical behavior by fighters towards each other, officials, the audience, or any individual involved in the event—including during press conferences and weigh-in ceremonies. The display of national flags is also prohibited, aligning with the championship's core philosophy. Participants are further required to uphold these values of respect on their personal social media platforms and in all media interactions.

A Message of Tolerance and Brotherhood

Advisor Aref Al Abbar, Chairman of the Hobbies Club, stated: “We are proud to announce the Human Fighting Championship in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council. Through this event, we aim to promote a powerful message of humanity, reflecting the values of tolerance and brotherhood among the world's diverse peoples even within the context of a competitive combat sport.”

He added: “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Dubai Sports Council for its unwavering support of all sporting activities hosted by Dubai and for their invaluable guidance throughout our preparation for this championship. We also thank our premier sponsors, including Emaar, Al Baddad, Starphire, Dorsett, Kazaf Flora, and Loco Events, as well as Mr. Aymen Ben Haj and Mr. Nabil Youssef Mazouzi, and all the dedicated teams whose hard work has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.”

A Landmark Event with a Future Vision

Mr. Aymen Ben Haj, Founder and CEO of the HFC, elaborated on the organization's vision: “The championship will feature 16 matches between our 32 international fighters. This event marks the beginning of a sustained commitment, with plans for a monthly tournament over the next 12 consecutive months. These future events will be held in various locations across Dubai and the wider UAE, establishing the HFC as a permanent fixture in the global sports calendar.”

The Human Fighting Championship is poised to be more than just a sporting competition; it is a platform for unity, encapsulated by its guiding principle: "We are all brothers in humanity. There is no difference in race, religion, or nationality that divides us on the land of tolerance, the United Arab Emirates, which provides all the elements for success."