https://arab.news/zqu2r
ABU DHABI: Hamdy Abdelwahab, coming off a loss in his previous fight, made an emphatic return to the UFC Octagon on Saturday night, beating Spain’s Chris Barnett by unanimous decision.
The Egyptian former Olympian is currently one of the most exciting prospects from the region, which has increasingly become a hub for global fights sports. Abdelwahab said he felt at home fighting at the Etihad Arena, thanking the fans who he said had spurred him on.
“I represent a whole Arab community, everyone here that has any Arab blood I represent them,” Abdelwahab said after the fight.
In his career, Abdelwahab has navigated highs and lows, including several knockout wins as well as suspensions. Now based in Dubai, he said he was training to bring opponents to the ground, where he believed his wrestling would prove overwhelming.
“The whole focus was my wrestling, no one can handle my wrestling, I need to show that I am an Olympic wrestler,” he said.
“I was blocking every single thing he can do, even the spinning kick and the elbows, I could see everything.”
Despite the UFC main card events being held in Abu Dhabi for several years now, with other fight nights held around the Gulf, the region is shy in terms of talent participating at the highest level of the sport.
With a dominant win under his belt, and home court advantage, Abdelwahab, believes he can change those odds, taking his wrestling all the way to the top.
“If they have space for me at the Fight Night in Qatar, I am ready to go, I will just pack my bags and take my team and we will go,” he said.