Arab Fighters, Asian Prospects Headline 971FC 2 in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Rising Arab fighters and international mixed martial arts prospects are set to collide at the 971 Fighting Championship 2 on June 14 at Coca-Cola Arena, with high-profile names topping the bill.

Undefeated flyweight standout Muhammad Mokaev (14-0, 1 NC) will headline the card against Kazakhstan’s Alisher Gabdullin (15-4), in a clash expected to draw significant global attention.

In the co-main event, welterweight Saygid Izagakhmaev (22-2), a protégé of former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, will battle Congo’s Pupanga Tresor (10-3), continuing the promotion’s vision of blending top-tier competition with emerging talent.

UFC veteran and 971FC founder Mounir Lazzez emphasized the league’s mission of expanding the MMA scene in the region.

“Our goal is to provide a global platform for athletes from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia,” Lazzez said in a statement.

Egypt’s Ahmed “The Prince” Fares (21-8), a fan favorite and one of the Arab world’s most seasoned competitors, will return following a standing guillotine win in his debut to face Colombia’s Eduardo Mora (9-6-2).

“Mora is a tough guy. He’s durable, and he trains hard in Abu Dhabi,” Fares said. “But I’m here to make a statement again.”

The event will also see Poland’s Łukasz Szala take on Egypt’s Mohamed Salem (7-2-2) in a welterweight matchup showcasing striking creativity against battle-tested resilience.

Lebanese lightweight Elie “The Wolverine” Mansour (2-0), a Dubai-based fighter known for his calculated pressure and clean striking, will face Georgia’s Bondo Meskhi, a gritty wrestler with imposing physicality.

“I’m excited to test myself,” Mansour said. “It’s a step up, but I’ve been preparing for moments like this.”

Jordan’s Yazan Jaber is set to meet England’s Grant Ogborne in a stylistic clash between Jaber’s composed striking and Ogborne’s gritty, fundamental boxing.

In a promising lightweight bout, UK-born Dubai resident Max Flynn will face the Philippines’ Japhet Dequito, a Muay Thai brawler who has gained respect for his durability and relentless pace.

Dequito, who trains at a local Manila-based gym, told reporters that he’s “bringing fire” to the Dubai cage, aiming to represent Filipino fighters with heart and aggression.

Also on the card, Tunisia’s Maazri Ammar will square off against India’s Suraj Singh Patel, a bout likely to test Ammar’s forward pressure against Patel’s polished counter-striking.

Tickets for the event range from PHP 2,500 to PHP 15,000 and are available through official 971FC platforms and partner outlets.

971FC 2 continues the league’s rapid growth after a successful inaugural event earlier this year, expanding its reach with a card that blends regional stars with international intrigue.