Iraqi Kurdish fighter wins MMA tournament in UAE

ERBIL,— An 18-year-old Kurdish athlete from Erbil’s Soran district has captured the spotlight after winning a top mixed martial arts (MMA) championship in the United Arab Emirates. Mohammed Salih’s triumph was celebrated by local officials and residents upon his return to Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

“This is a proud moment for Soran,” Rajab Zuber, mayor of the district told Rudaw TV. “On behalf of the administration and our sports community, we are here to honor Mohammed. His success on the international stage is a testament to the talent and determination of our region.”

Salih, who has competed in 13 tournaments and holds five world records, dreams of joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the pinnacle of MMA competition.

During the AUE Warriors Championship, he secured a decisive victory against a South African opponent last Friday, adding to a win over a Moroccan competitor on July 28. Salih, who always carries the Kurdistan flag to his matches, says his ultimate mission is to represent his people on the global stage.

“I’ve raised the Kurdistan flag in every tournament I’ve competed in,” Salih said. “My goal is to make it to the UFC and represent the Kurdish people on the global stage. Becoming the first Kurd in the UFC would mean everything to me. I won’t stop until I achieve that dream.”

Salih’s journey to success was anything but easy. He credits his perseverance and work ethic to a difficult childhood, which saw him balancing hard labor with his passion for martial arts.

“Mohammed was always full of energy,” said his father, Salih Abdullah. “He had a passion for competing from a young age, but we couldn’t always afford it.. There were times I had to borrow so he could participate. He even worked alongside me selling fava beans and turnips when he was just 13 or 14. It’s amazing to witness how much he has achieved.”

Salih’s victory has brought recognition not only to him but also to Kurdish athletes, inspiring many in the region to pursue their dreams on the world stage.

(With files from Rudaw)