Listen to the article
Brazilian fighter Caio Machado claimed victory in the main event of UAE Warriors 67, defeating British opponent Tom Breese via technical knockout just 58 seconds into their light heavyweight bout. The international mixed martial arts event took place at ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre) on January 31, 2026, showcasing a series of high-stakes matchups that drew prominent figures from the combat sports world.
Sheikh Zayed bin Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented awards to the winners of the main event, according to official reports. Among the notable attendees were Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhboot Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and President of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, as well as former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and champion Islam Makhachev.
UAE Warriors 67 Delivers Exciting Finishes
The swift conclusion to the main event demonstrated Machado’s striking prowess in the light heavyweight division. The technical knockout finish highlighted the Brazilian fighter’s ability to capitalize on early opportunities against his experienced British rival.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Sylvester Chipfumbu secured a decision victory over Brazil’s Gustavo Ribeiro in the featherweight division. The judges’ scorecards favored Chipfumbu after a competitive bout that went the full distance, showcasing the technical skills both fighters brought to the cage.
International Roster Delivers Competitive Action
Additionally, Russian fighter Rashid Vagabov emerged victorious against Kazakhstan’s Sanjar Adylov in what was described as an intense and aggressive contest. The bout, contested at 59 kilograms in a catchweight division, concluded with a judges’ decision favoring Vagabov after a hard-fought battle between the two athletes.
In the women’s division at UAE Warriors 67, Dutch fighter Benita van Rooy defeated Uzbekistan’s Zulfiya Kurbashova via submission in the 55-kilogram catchweight category. The submission victory added another finish to an event that featured multiple decisive endings across various weight classes.
Growing Prominence of UAE Mixed Martial Arts Events
The event was organized by Palms Sports, with Fouad Darwish serving as CEO and Chairman of the organizing committee. The company has established UAE Warriors as a prominent platform for international mixed martial arts competition in the region, regularly attracting fighters from diverse backgrounds and nations.
However, the presence of high-profile figures like Nurmagomedov underscores the growing significance of Middle Eastern MMA events on the global stage. The former UFC champion’s attendance brings additional credibility and attention to the regional circuit, potentially attracting more elite talent to future editions.
Furthermore, the quick finish in the main event between Machado and Breese demonstrates the unpredictable nature of combat sports at this level. Technical knockouts in under a minute are relatively rare, making the Brazilian’s performance particularly noteworthy for fans and analysts following the light heavyweight division.
Expanding International Fighter Pool
The diverse roster at UAE Warriors 67 featured athletes from Brazil, Britain, Zimbabwe, Russia, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, and Uzbekistan. This international composition reflects the organization’s ability to attract competitors from multiple continents, enhancing the competitive quality of matchups and broadening the event’s appeal to global audiences.
In contrast to promotions that focus primarily on regional talent, UAE Warriors has positioned itself as a truly international platform. This strategy allows emerging fighters to gain exposure while providing established veterans opportunities to compete in a well-organized environment.
According to the official announcement, the event marked the 67th edition of the UAE Warriors series. The organization has not yet announced the date or location for its next event, though the promotion typically maintains a regular schedule of competitions throughout the year at venues across the United Arab Emirates.
