Bahrain ready to win world MMA gold medal

Yousif Abdulmajeed Al Kooheji ... upbeat

Veteran Bahraini martial artist Yousif Al Kooheji is confident the Kingdom’s national team will exceed expectations at IMMAF-WMMA Unified World Championships of Amateur MMA 2018.

Brave International Combat Week 2018 will take place from November 11 to 18 at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town.

Bahrain will also showcase the premium edition of Brave Combat Federation on November 16 at the same venue.

Three championship titles will be at stake at Brave 18.

Together with amateur fighters, professional fighters are also using the camp to prepare for their upcoming bouts. Brave International Combat Week 2018 marks the largest combat sports event ever held in Asia.

“We believe that the future will be brilliant for the growth of mixed martial arts in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” said Al Kooheji who is also coach at KHK MMA.

“Under the leadership of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain national team is among the best in the world.

“This year, 21 athletes will be competing in the World Championships, and Eldar Eldarov is doing an amazing job preparing them for the win.

“This year, we are looking for gold as we believe this is the year of gold which is an initiative introduced by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.”

Last year, Bahrain came third in the medal tally. And with stellar performance at the African Open and European Open, Bahrain has secured second position in the world rankings released by IMMAF.

The national team is currently training at KHK MMA Bahrain established by Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. At KHK MMA Fight Team, over 21 athletes are currently undergoing training leading to the preparation for the World Championships.