Bahraini champion wins fight and hearts

Manama : Hamza Al Kooheji, the only Bahraini fighter in MMA emerged victorious in the long-awaited fight of the night with Filipino Jeremy Pacatiw. 

After winning the game by the judges decision, Al Kooheji dedicated the victory to the people of Bahrain.

“We were a team of two and we had no support when we first started. Thank you Bahrain, this victory is for you,” Al Kooheji said.

The fighter also thanked  Supreme Council for Youth & Sport First Vice Chairman and Bahrain Royal Equestrian & Endurance   Federation President HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa for inspiring him.

“I first started playing this game in 2011 when MMA wasn’t popular here. But the game grew rapidly among Bahrainis and it’s attracting more players and fans every year. The excitement shown by Bahraini fans today shows the popularity MMA has gained,”Al Kooheji added.

“I believe that Bahrain could produce more international MMA champions, especially with all the new Bahraini fighters coming up lately.”

In other matches, Moroccan Ottman Azaitar won over Irish Kevin Koldobski as per the judges decision, after lasting three bloody rounds.

British star Carl Booth won the final fight with a knockout, finishing KHK MMA team member Gadzhimusa Gaziev few minutes before the end of the third and final round.