Saudi fighter battles broken rib to triumph at MMA event

A Saudi fighter overcame a broken rib to triumph at an international mixed martial arts event in Jeddah. Athletes from more than a dozen countries took part in Brave Combat Federation 33 at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, with Mustafa Rashed Neda and Abdullah Al-Qahtani triumphing on home turf. For featherweight Al-Qahtani, it was a difficult journey. “I had broken a rib, but it all worked out,” he told Arab News. “I didn’t want to cancel the match because I’m participating in the Kingdom in front of my family and home audience.

“I couldn’t cancel at the last minute and tell them about my injury. I pulled through, but I hope I can perform better next time. There has been an increase in awareness about this sport in the Kingdom.

People used to call any combat sport boxing. Now they can differentiate between different combat sports such as mixed martial arts, boxing, and others.”

Catchweight Neda said he was happy to win for a second time, and it was significant that Saudi athletes could win against international champions.

“There were many Saudi athletes in the past, but there were no federations to show ourselves,” he said. “Now we have the Saudi Mixed

Martial Arts Federation headed by Abdul Aziz Al-Jelaidan.”

Russian champion Eldar Eldarov said the organization of the event exceeded his expectations.

“There’s a big difference between this year and last year,” he told Arab News. “It’s much better, better organization and better fighters. It’s a great show. People know more about it, and more people showed up this year.”