ADFC is a mixed martial arts event initiated in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The promotion was initiated and organized by isee Entertainment and Events, a leading event management company in the region.
ADFC held its debut event as a mixed martial arts championship with a 1,000,000 Dirham Grand Prix on May 14, 2010. International champions participated in the tournament which took place over three 'Rounds', the first of which being the May 14th event dubbed 'Round 1'. 'Round 2' was held on October 22nd 2010 and the final event, 'Round 3', was held on March 11th 2011. The final Round was the setting for the crowning of the first ever ADFC Champion who was awarded the ADFC Title Belt and Grand Prize. In addition, local fighters participated in side fights, that are not part of the tournament, to showcase their talents. Highlight fighters include Hassan Al Rumaithi, Ali "The Kid" Ahli and Bob Sapp.
On March 11th 2011 ADFC crowned their first ever open weight grand prix champion Shamil Abdurahimov who defeated finalist Marcos Oliveira by TKO for the first ever ADFC title belt, and grand prize of 1,000,000. Dirhams
ADFC has established itself as the premier MMA promotion in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, especially as it places great emphasis on local and regional talent, the fighters of the UAE and MENA region. ADFC continuously supports the local MMA community and promotes the clubs and their fighters. The event is a platform for these fighters to exhibit their skills and talent, and propel them into the international spotlight. For this an offshoot of ADFC was developed, titled Top-Fight, which is geared specifically towards Mixed Martial Artists, and their gyms or clubs, in the region.
Contents |
| Event | Date | Location | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADFC Round 1 | May 14, 2010 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre |
| ADFC Round 2 | October 22, 2010 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre |
| ADFC Round 3 | March 11, 2011 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex |
Each ADFC round lasts for five minutes. Bouts are for three rounds; Championship bouts are for five rounds. There is a one-minute rest period between rounds.
ADFC has five weight classes:
1. Lightweight - 145 to 155 lbs (65.8 to 70.3 kg)
2. Welterweight - 155 to 170 lbs (70.3 to 77.1 kg)
3. Middleweight - 170 to 185 lbs (77.1 to 83.9 kg)
4. Light Heavyweight - 185 to 205 lbs (83.9 to 93.0 kg)
5. Heavyweight - 205 to 265 lbs (93.0 to 500.3 kg)
1. Knockout (KO): As soon as a fighter becomes unconscious due to strikes, his opponent is declared the winner. As MMA rules allow ground fighting, the fight is stopped to prevent further injury to an unconscious fighter.
2. Technical Knockout (TKO)- Referee stoppage - Doctor stoppage - Corner stoppage
3. Submission: A fighter may admit defeat during a match by:- a tap on the opponent’s body; - a tap on the mat or floor; - verbal announcement
4. Decision: The judges make the decision on who is the winner if the match goes the distance.
5. Forfeit: A fighter or their representative may forfeit the match prior to the start.
6. Disqualification: When a foul or illegal action is committed or if the referees’ instructions are not followed a warning will be given. Three warnings will result in disqualification. If a fighter is injured and unable to continue due to a deliberate illegal action from his opponent, the opponent will be disqualified.
7. No Contest: If both fighters violate the rules or a fighter is unable to continue due to an injury sustained from an accidental illegal action the match will be declared a ‘No Contest’ by the referee.
If committed, these fouls will result in penalties:
2. Eye-gouging of any kind
3. Biting or spitting at an opponent
4. Hair pulling
5. Fish hooking
6. Groin attacks of any kind
7. Intentionally placing a finger in any opponent’s orifice
8. Downward pointing of elbow strikes
9. Small joint manipulation
10. Strikes to the spine or back of the head
11. Heel kicks to the kidney
12. Throat strikes of any kind
13. Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh or grabbing the clavicle
14. Kicking the head of a grounded fighter
15. Kneeing the head of a grounded fighter
16. Stomping of a grounded fighter
17. The use of abusive language in fighting area
18. Any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to opponent
19. Attacking an opponent on or during the break
20. Attacking an opponent who is under the referee’s care at the time
21. Timidity (avoiding contact, or consistent dropping of mouthpiece, or faking an injury)
22. Interference from a mixed martial artists seconds
23. Throwing an opponent out of the fighting area
24. Flagrant disregard of the referee’s instructions
25. Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his or her head or neck