ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — The stage is officially set for another blockbuster evening of elite mixed martial arts in the Middle East. Following a smooth and successful official weigh-in session that saw all 24 competing athletes safely make weight, the capital of the United Arab Emirates is buzzing in anticipation of UAE Warriors 74. Promoted as the region’s premier combat sports organization, the promotion is set to deliver a high-stakes card headlined by a pivotal women’s strawweight championship battle.
At the center of the fight card is the reigning strawweight queen, Brazil’s Michele Oliveira, who carries a professional record of 6-1 into her first-ever title defense. She will square off against the surging challenger from Kyrgyzstan, Farida Abdueva, who boasts an impressive 8-2 record and is eager to seize the promotional gold. Both competitors have previously proven their mettle inside the Warriors Octagon, paving the way for what promises to be a fiercely contested championship main event.
Oliveira captured the coveted strap last November following an absolute five-round war against her Brazilian compatriot Lany Silva, ultimately earning a hard-fought split decision victory after an exhausting back-and-forth battle. That championship experience forged a hardened champion ready to turn away challengers from across the globe. Meanwhile, Abdueva earned her shot at the championship gold seven months ago right here in Abu Dhabi, where she put on a masterclass performance to totally dominate Fernanda Silva and secure her path to a title opportunity. With contrasting styles and high-level skill sets, the main event represents a clash of elite strawweights looking to cement their legacy under the bright lights of the UAE Warriors banner.
While the championship matchup anchors the evening, the co-main event offers an equally compelling narrative featuring international talent. Current Intercontinental Featherweight Champion Sylvester Chipfumbu of Zimbabwe, holding a professional record of 14-6, is set to step back into the cage. However, the title will not be on the line as he faces off against Egypt’s dangerous and undefeated prospect, Abdelrahman Essam, who brings a pristine 10-0 record into the contest.
The talent-rich card also welcomes back high-profile veterans and rising stars alike. Rashid Vagabov, a standout Dana White’s Contender Series winner representing the esteemed Team Nurmagomedov, is returning for his sixth promotional outing. Vagabov, sitting at 15-2, will lock horns with promotional debutante Marciano Ferreira, who enters the arena with an identical and formidable 15-5 record, ensuring a high-stakes test for the Russian veteran.
International representation is a core hallmark of the UAE Warriors promotion, and the undercard reflects a truly global gathering of martial arts talent. Fresh off a massive and stunning upset victory over local legend Ali Taleb, skilled Muay Thai specialist Peter Danesoe (10-4) returns to action. He will face a stern test against the heavy-handed Uzbek powerhouse Farkhod Kudratov, who holds a 6-1 record.
Fans in attendance and watching around the globe will also witness a milestone moment for mixed martial arts in the South Pacific. Gase Sanita of New Zealand is set to make history as the first-ever Samoan fighter to compete under the UAE Warriors banner. Sanita, holding a 5-5 record, will step into the arena to face Jordan’s undefeated and versatile all-rounder Lisa Zimmo, who boasts a clean 5-0 record in a fascinating bantamweight encounter.
Further depth is added to the lineup as Cameroon fan-favorite Jaures Dea prepares to make his historic 16th walk to the Warriors Octagon. Holding a 13-7 record, Dea is a staple of the promotion and will test his experience against Moroccan headhunter Marouane Bellagouit, who stands at 6-4. Additionally, SBG’s promising Egyptian prodigy Flobater Fares, undefeated at 4-0, will test his skills against the heavy-handed Filipino boxer Ruel Pañales, who carries a 6-5 record into their catchweight showdown.
UAE Warriors 74 is scheduled to take place on the 22nd of October, with the action kicking off at 19:00 local time at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. Combat sports enthusiasts around the world will have full access to the event, as it is slated to stream live globally on UFC Fight Pass, as well as locally and regionally via Abu Dhabi Sports TV, ensuring that fans across continents can witness the drama unfold live from the UAE capital.
The entire UAE Warriors 74 card:
Welterweight Amirchupan Taygibov vs Karim Labdou
Bantamweight Lisa Zimmo vs Gase Sanita
Flyweight Bekhzod Abdurakhimov vs Ata Atdayev
Catchweight Flobater Fares vs Ruel Pañales
Bantamweight Murad Ibragimov vs Juscelino Pantoja
Featherweight Jaures Dea vs Marouane Bellagouit
Catchweight Sundet Aytkul vs Maycon Alcino
Catchweight Ayissi Bessala vs Bashir Mustafaev
Bantamweight Peter Danesoe vs Farkhod Kudratov
Catchweight Rashid Vagabov vs Marciano Ferreira
Featherweight Sylvester Chipfumbu vs Abdelrahman Essam
Womens Strawweight Title Michele Oliveira © vs Farida Abdueva
