The World League of Fighters orchestrated the first official BKFC conference at the Burj Al Arab on 2nd of April, partnering with Dubai Sports Council to announce the championship’s Dubai debut. The prestigious gathering brought together WLF Co Founders Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew, Director of Dubai Sports Council Eisa Mohammed Sharif and BKFC Founder David Feldman. The press conference revealed plans for BKFC’s inaugural Emirates event at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on April 4 and April 5, establishing it as a key fixture in Dubai’s combat sports landscape and generating worldwide excitement

Sharing the enthusiasm on the journey with Dubai sports council that will shape BKFC as the next global event in Dubai, co-founders Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew of World League of Fighters stated, “It took us more than two years to bring it here because David has been instrumental in the growth of BKFC, which has become the fastest-growing combat sport in the world. We struggled to find the right calendar dates, but finally, we are here. We are extremely happy and ready to show that Dubai will be the best destination outside of America, thanks to our incredible partnership with David and BKFC.”

The star-studded press conference brought together fighters from the two-day event, with April 4th featuring Carlos “Snake” Trinidad and Austin Trout headlining for the Welterweight championship. Adding to the excitement, BKFC’s trailblazing female Strawweight champion, Britain Hart, will take on Tai Emery in the women’s main event, fighting for the Strawweight Championship. Following on April 5th, Tommy Strydom will challenge Kai Stewart for Featherweight supremacy, while Hannah Rankin and Jessica Borga square off in the second main event of the weekend

Additional fighters from both April 4th and April 5th fight cards who attended the press conference included Sabah Homasi, Jonathan Tello, Aleksei Oleinik, Adel Al Tamimi, Vladislav Tuinov, Guto Inocente and John Philips

Adding heartfelt tribute to World League of Fighters and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, Director of Dubai Sports Council Eisa Mohammed Sharif shares, “We would like to thank World League of Fighters for bringing the BKFC event for the very first time in Dubai. I believe this combat sport is growing tremendously and we just want to see it grow here in the region, while we continue supporting it as Dubai Sports Council to witness the greatest fighters of all time to be here in Dubai and combat the challenge”

By leveraging Dubai’s proven infrastructure and governmental support systems, the forum addressed the global impact of combat sports in the Arab World and how Bare Knuckle seeks to value this support by introducing elite event opportunities for larger combat events in the future

Founder and President of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, David Feldman also added, “A huge thank you to the Dubai Sports Council and His Excellency for their support in this event. With four world title fights and 12,000 passionate fans, we are here to break record, that’s what we do. Everywhere we go, we set new milestones, and now, we’re ready to do the same in this beautiful city of Dubai. The energy here is incredible, and I couldn’t be more thrilled”

The World League of Fighters organization views Dubai’s receptive sporting environment as the ideal platform to elevate bare-knuckle fighting’s global profile. As presented by World League of Fighters in the conference, the platform aligns its priorities on offering world fighters and MMA enthusiasts the opportunity to experience Bare Knuckle Fighting under the roof of a globally renowned name in the world of combat sports. BKFC aims to contribute to the Emirate’s vision of becoming a global sports capital while creating sustainable pathways for world fighting development

History is in the making as Dubai welcomes the greatest two-day pure brutal combat event BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) powered by World League of Fighters in association with Dubai Sports council scheduled for April 4th and April 5th at the prestigious Dubai Duty Free Stadium. The event promises to be a spectacular showcase of combat action entertainment as 44 top world fighters would participate in an intense battle while vying for the title contender.

Professional Mixed Martial legend Conor McGregor is also scheduled to make a surprise appearance adding star power to an already spectacular lineup, although his role is kept in wraps. VIP Ticket holders would also have exclusive access to meet and greet sessions with fighters and legends of the sport during the tenure of the event

David Feldman Founder of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship shares how he finds the event to be the biggest boost for the fastest growing sport in the world. He shares, “We’re bringing raw intensity and pure athleticism of bare knuckle fighting to one of world’s most dynamic sporting destinations which is Dubai. The response from the fighting community and fans has been overwhelming, and we’re proud to showcase our sport at this level.”
The BKFC Dubai edition presents an electrifying lineup of international fighters on Day 1, featuring intense matchups across multiple weight categories. In the Bantamweight division (135 lbs), Ruel Panales from Philippines will face Ali Elkhatib from Egypt, while Lucas Sontgen (Germany) takes on Elnur Suleymanov (Azerbaijan) in the 170 lbs category. The Lightweights will see Islam Sizbulatov (Austria) battling Cheng Leang (Cambodia) at 155 lbs, and Murat Kazgan (Turkey) challenging Leandro Martins (Brazil).
Cruiserweights and Middleweights will showcase global talent with Jaskaran Singh (India) versus Mohamed Ali (Egypt/Dubai) in the 265 lbs category, and Marcus Pond (UK) facing Mladen Iliev (Bulgaria) in the 175 lbs Middleweights. The headline bout features Austin Trout versus Carlos Trinidad in the 165 lb Welterweights Category, while Sabah Homasi (Lebanese Descent/USA) will square off against Jonny Tello (Canada/Thailand) in the 175 Middleweights.
Day 2 promises equally thrilling contests across diverse weight classes. The Heavyweights (265 lbs) will feature Mehdi Barghi (Iran) versus Ricardo Bachir (Lebanon) and Guto Inocente (Brazil) against Hassan Yousefi (Iran). Bantamweight competitors include Mohd Azahar (India) versus Muhammad Bilal (Pakistan), while the Featherweights (145 lbs) will see exciting matches with Shamil Dzhakhbarov (Russia) facing Dilshat Nurym (Kazakhstan), and multiple international fighters like Dan Chapman (UK), Brandon Allen (USA), Hannah Rankin (UK), Jessica Borga (USA), Kai Stewart (USA), and Tommy Strydom (South Africa).
The Middleweight division will feature Aaron Chalmers (UK) against Chasa Symonds, while the Cruiserweight showdown will see Welsh MMA fighter John Phillips face Brazilian veteran Fabio Maldonado in the 205 lbs category. Maldonado, known for his standout performances in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions from 2009-2016, will battle Phillips, a tough competitor with a strong middleweight legacy from 2018-2020. Both fighters will bring their striking prowess to this exciting bare-knuckle clash in Dubai.
The Welterweights division will pit Vladislav Tuinov (Russia) against Adel Al Tamimi (USA/Iraq), while Matin Safari (Iran) will face Mark Angel Sadang (Philippines) in the Lightweights category.

Sharing excitement on BKFC’s debut in Dubai, emphasizing the significance of the event for both the sport and the city Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew Co – Founders of World League of Fighters share, “Dubai has always been a global hub for world-class sporting events, and we are excited to welcome the Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) for its debut here. This event isn’t just about the fights; it’s about creating a one-of-a-kind experience for fans and highlighting the technical mastery that defines bare-knuckle fighting.”
The Dubai Sports Council also expressing their support for this ground breaking event shares, “Hosting Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship aligns perfectly with Dubai’s vision of Dubai becoming the world’s premier destination for combat sports. This event is precedented to provide local sports combat enthusiasts with an advanced opportunity to witness this unique discipline at the highest level.”
Tickets for this historic event will start at AED 399, with premium VIP packages available. The venue selection ensures an intimate viewing experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and comfort for athletes and viewers. Also, in an exclusive development the event has attracted the radio partnerships of Channel 4(British Channel), Al Arabia (Dubai)and Volna radio (Russian language radio) for broadcasting in the Emirates.

Great news for residents and visitors – the UAE has been ranked the second safest country in the world in 2025. According to Numbeo’s Safety Index, the UAE secured this prestigious spot, just behind Andorra.

The ranking isn’t just a fluke — the UAE boasts the second-lowest crime rate globally, proving it’s one of the most secure places to live, work, and travel.

Gulf Nations Dominate the List

The UAE isn’t the only Gulf nation making waves in safety! Qatar landed in third place, while Oman secured the fifth spot just behind Taiwan. Saudi Arabia (14th) and Bahrain (16th) also made it into the top 20, proving tthat he GCC is a powerhouse for safety and security.

Why is the UAE So Safe?

Strict Laws & Tough Penalties – The UAE enforces zero tolerance for crime, drugs, and public misconduct, keeping crime rates are extremely low.

High-Tech Policing & AI Surveillance – With smart policing, AI-powered security systems, and an extensive surveillance network, authorities can detect and prevent crime faster than ever.

Strong Economy & Social Stability – The UAE’s wealth, job opportunities, and social welfare help reduce crime by removing economic desperation.

Safe for Everyone, Including Women & Tourists – Well-lit streets, strict anti-harassment laws, and a strong police presence make the UAE a haven where women and families feel safe, even at night.

The World’s Top 20 Safest Countries (2025)

According to Numbeo’s Safety Index, here’s how the world ranks:

1. Andorra – 84.7
2. UAE – 84.5
3. Qatar – 84.2
4. Taiwan – 82.9
5. Oman – 81.7
6. Isle Of Man – 79.0
7. Hong Kong – 78.5
8. Armenia – 77.9
9. Singapore – 77.4
10. Japan – 77.1
11. Monaco – 76.7
12. Estonia – 76.3
13. Slovenia – 76.2
14. Saudi Arabia – 76.1
15. China – 76.0
16. Bahrain – 75.5
17. South Korea – 75.1
18. Croatia – 74.5
19. Iceland – 74.3
20. Denmark – 74.0

(Source: economymiddleeast.com)