Fahad Adbulrazaq became Bahrain’s first IMMAF World Championship medalist after his two stunning victories against Warren Mason and Nikolay Ivaylov.
The 19-year-old flyweight took home the bronze medal after being narrowly outpointed in the semi-finals against Ireland’s David Fogarty. Fogarty faced the better Brayden Graham (NZL) in the finals, Graham being the victor.
Fahad believes that his medal is only the beginning for Bahraini MMA, and he paid homage to the Shaikh H.H Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who has been ever-present throughout the development of the amateur fighters.
He said: “I am happy with my performance and result. Will be working harder and smarter to accomplish more, gain more experience and raise the Bahraini flag higher Inshalla. Bahrain deserves this and also His Highness for his unlimited support, making this trip possible.”
Shaikh Khalid is always around his fighters at KHK MMA, whether they are professional or still amateur. He was present in Las Vegas during the international fight week and prior to UFC 200 to lend support to Frankie Edgar ahead of his highly anticipated bout with Jose Aldo.
Meanwhile in the amateur World Championships, Fahad, the youngest fighter on Team Bahrain, was making a name for himself.
He started with a dominant victory over Britain’s Warren Mason, tossing him to the ground twice and injuring him to the point where he couldn’t continue. Fahad showed his strength and aggression in this fight, manhandling the Brit and showing the excellent wrestling skills which are being developed at KHK MMA, courtesy of wrestling coach Eldar Eldarov.
In his next fight with Bulgaria’s Nikolay Ivaylov, we saw everything from slick Jiu Jitsu to crushing kick boxing, as well as the heart of a lion. He picked off his opponent from the outside, dropped him with a kick to the head and finished the fight on the ground with an excellent armbar submission.
The skills on display and the warrior attitude shown by Fahad suggest that he has a big future ahead of him. His team-mates and coaches speak very highly of him and the speed with which he has learned the MMA game indicate that this boy is a unique talent.