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King Kai Stewart Defends World Featherweight Title at BKFC 72 Powered by World League of Fighters

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Dubai hosted the second night of bare-knuckle fighting as BKFC 72, powered by World League of Fighters in association with Dubai Sports Council, presented a series of impressive knockouts and skilled performances. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium was filled to capacity as BKFC President and Founder David Feldman, MMA star Conor McGregor, and World League of Fighters Co-Founders Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew attended this significant combat sports event.

In the main event, “King” Kai Stewart defended his BKFC World Men’s Featherweight Championship for the fourth time. Stewart dominated his opponent, landing 156 punches out of 202 thrown, while South African challenger Tommy “The Farmer” Strydom landed 53 punches from 112 attempts. This clear difference in striking led to Stewart knocking Strydom down twice and securing a unanimous decision victory with all judges scoring the bout 50-43. Stewart, now undefeated with an 8-0 record, proclaimed after his victory, “I cleaned out the 145-pound division. I break everybody!”

The co-main event also featured one of the night’s most dramatic moments. Jessica “The Black Widow” Borga from United States of America claimed the first-ever BKFC World Women’s Featherweight Championship with a single devastating punch that knocked out former professional boxing champion Hannah “The Classical Warrior” Rankin from United Kingdom just 32 seconds into the first round. Borga landed 18 of her 22 punches, while Rankin connected with only 7 of her 14 attempts before the knockout blow. This victory improved Borga’s BKFC record to 3-0, establishing her as a dominant force in women’s bare-knuckle fighting.

Russia’s Vladislav Tuinov made an explosive BKFC debut needing only 26 seconds to defeat Belgium’s Sabri Ben Henia. Tuinov landed 3 of his 5 punches with one powerful strike proving enough to end the fight immediately for Sabri Ben Henia who landed 1 of 7 attempted punches before the referee stopped the contest.

Spain’s Nico “The Iron” Gaffie delivered one of the night’s biggest upsets against Brandon “Superman” Allen, the second-ranked featherweight contender. Gaffie’s persistent attack sent Allen to the canvas four times throughout the fight, with both fighters throwing exactly 93 punches each. Gaffie landed 41 punches to Allen’s 29, leading to a fourth-round technical knockout win with one second remaining in the round.

Welsh fighter John Phillips dominated his cruiserweight match against Brazilian veteran Fabio Maldonado. Phillips landed 29 punches while Maldonado connected with 19, allowing Phillips to knock Maldonado down twice before the referee stopped the fight only 29 seconds into the second round.

In welterweight action, Aaron Chalmers secured a third-round victory over fellow Englishman Chasa Symonds. Chalmers landed 25 of 63 punches compared to Symonds’ 15 of 47. After dropping Symonds twice, the fight was stopped just 16 seconds into the third round.

The heavyweight division saw Iran’s Hassan Yousefi defeat Brazilian Guto Inocente by unanimous decision. In this back-and-forth battle, Yousefi landed 83 of his 142 punches, while Inocente connected with 54 of his 102 attempts. The judges recognized Yousefi’s greater volume, awarding him scores of 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46.

The preliminary card featured two lightning-fast finishes, Filipino lightweight Mark Angel Sadang defeated Iranian Matin Safari in just 1 minute and 27 seconds of the first round, while Kazakh featherweight Dilshat Nurym needed only 1 minute and 23 seconds to stop Russian Shamil Dzhakhbarov.

MMA legend Conor McGregor, whose partnership with World League of Fighters has helped bring bare-knuckle fighting to the region, expressed his admiration for the event. “I’m so proud of our warriors and combatants win, lose or draw who have put on an amazing spectacle across this two-day extravaganza in Dubai,” said McGregor. “This event shows what World League of Fighters and BKFC represent pure combat and true heart.”

Also Conor McGregor, adding his thoughts on the action-packed event shares, “There are a lot of big shows around the world, a lot of noise, but let me tell you something; this is the most exciting combat sport on the planet today. And it’s not just talk there’s no such thing as a boring fight in BKFC. In fact, there’s not even a boring exchange. Every moment is explosive, raw, and real.”

“The partnership between BKFC and World League of Fighters continues to deliver excellent combat sports entertainment to fans worldwide,” said Rajesh Banga, Co-Founder of World League of Fighters. “This event concludes an exciting two-day fighting showcase in Dubai, establishing the city as a key destination for combat sports globally.”

The success of BKFC 72 in Dubai marks another achievement for World League of Fighters in their goal to expand bare-knuckle fighting across international markets, bringing together top athletes from various fighting backgrounds.

With 20 years of experience across print, TV, and digital journalism, Sudhashree is a seasoned media professional with a keen eye for news. A true news bug, she thrives on curating stories that capture the pulse of fashion, film, and all things trending. Deeply immersed in the fast-evolving media landscape, she swears by the power of social media to shape narratives and spark conversations.

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Tickets now live for Dubai’s first homegrown musical spectacle

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A cultural revolution is about to begin. Tickets are now available for Once Upon A Time in Dubai, the most ambitious, emotional, and spectacular musical ever produced in the region. Opening this December at The Agenda in Dubai Media City, the show is already being called a once-in-a-generation phenomenon — and for good reason.

More than just a stage production, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is the first original large-scale musical entirely created in the UAE, blending Broadway-worthy storytelling with the energy and dreams of one of the world’s most iconic cities. Behind this bold vision is Stéphane Boukris, entrepreneur and cultural trailblazer, who has brought together an international creative dream team — including Universal Music Group MENA as co-producer — to craft a deeply emotional journey of love, ambition, and transformation, set in today’s Dubai.

“This show is a tribute to everything Dubai represents: ambition, diversity, and the power to build your own destiny,” says Boukris. “We are creating something people will never forget.”

A World-Class Team Behind the Curtain

The production brings together talents who have previously worked on global shows such as Céline Dion, Disney shows, and Arabs Got Talent (MBC). From lighting to choreography and technical design, every detail is crafted by artists and technicians at the highest international standards.

A Story That Speaks to a Generation

At the heart of the show is Will, a young English dancer who arrives in Dubai to search for Sophia, the woman he loves. Along the way, he meets artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from all walks of life, culminating in a celebration of courage, community, and reinvention.

The cast features rising stars Amanda Maalouf (X Factor) and Joe Woolford (The Voice UK) — with many of the lead vocalists and performers previously featured on international talent platforms, bringing an exceptional level of stage presence and vocal power. The musical includes over 20 original songs composed by Nazim Khaled, including already-viral hits like “Habibi”, “Stranger in the World”, and “Think Big”.

A City-Wide Movement

With over 150,000 spectators expected across 55 performances, the show is much more than an event — it’s becoming a movement. Once Upon A Time in Dubai is already making waves across the city with:

Strategic brand partnerships: McDonald’s, Carrefour MAF, Careem, Accor, Mall of the

Emirates, Tilal Al Ghaf, GEMS Education, and more

Immersive activations: Soundtracks in Hala taxis, QR codes in malls, music in retail

stores, and dedicated social media campaigns

Youth engagement: Auditions and showcases for students across GEMS schools,

opening the stage to the next generation of performers

The show will be performed in English, and supported by a multicultural creative team led by stage director Johan Nus.

Exclusive Ticket Sale

Tickets are available exclusively via Fever, the global ticketing platform. Pre-sale access has already launched with selected partners such as GEMS, Muse by Chalhoub, and Accor’s ALL loyalty members — with thousands of tickets snapped up in just days.

🎤 Behind the scenes videos, interviews with the cast, and a full media kit are available upon request. 📸 Press passes for opening week are now being issued — be among the first to witness the birth of a new cultural landmark.

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Glam Crown Dubai debuts to celebrate all forms of beauty

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In a city renowned for redefining opulence alongside originality, a Dubai-based socialite and former pageant winner is preparing to break new ground with The Glam Crown – an upcoming fashion show and beauty pageant that promises more than just sparkle. Scheduled for November 15 later this year in Dubai, the event – a first-of-ots-kind platform – aims to blend glamour with grit by spotlighting diversity, confidence, and self-expression across all ages and abilities.

“This isn’t just about crowns and catwalks,” says Piyali Chatterjee, crowned Mrs. Elegant UAE 2021 and founder of Artisan Beautique that’s behind the event. A respected beautician, entrepreneur, and former educator of children with special needs, Chatterjee is using her platform to challenge traditional beauty norms. “It’s about showing that beauty doesn’t come in one shape, shade, or size. Every woman, every child, every participant has something uniquely powerful – and beautiful – to offer.”

A platform for all walks of life

What sets The Glam Crown apart is its commitment to representation. The event will feature a special segment for children of determination aged as young as three to 12, giving them the chance to shine on a professional runway – complete with styling, gentle makeovers, and a magical stage experience.

Adults will participate in categories such as Mr, Miss, and Mrs Glam Icon UAE, with curated designer wear, grooming sessions, ramp walk training, and wellness consultations. A parallel fashion showcase for teens and adults includes styling support and exposure to leading local photographers and influencers.

The event will also welcome plus-size contestants, new mothers, and individuals who often find themselves excluded from mainstream beauty narratives. “Dubai is a city that embraces difference,” Chatterjee notes. “We’re just reflecting that spirit on our runway.”

Beyond the mirror: health, wellness, and empowerment

This isn’t a typical pageant. Alongside the fashion and festivities, The Glam Crown includes interactive sessions with a certified aesthetic doctor, gynaecologist, fitness coach, and professional beautician. “These sessions aim to promote a holistic understanding of beauty – rooted in confidence, hygiene, and well-being,” says Chatterjee explaining how the fashion show for teens and adults will include personalised ramp walk training sessions, designer stage wear, styling and grooming tips from seasoned beauty experts.  

Meanwhile, the show for young children of determination – open to anyone between three and 12 – will be offered free of charge. “It is a heart-warming celebration of joy and self-expression. Participants enjoy fun walk training, a gentle, skin-safe mini makeover, a designer outfit for the ramp, and a magical stage experience, complete with professional photos and delightful surprises,” adds the Indian expat who’s lived in Dubai for over a decade now.

With over 300 guests anticipated and growing buzz across the region, the event is set to unite emerging designers, aspiring models, and influential digital creators for an unforgettable celebration of fashion, empowerment, and community.

For Chatterjee, who manages two thriving salons in the UAE and continues to mentor women in beauty and confidence, The Glam Crown is a culmination of years of experience—and a bold step forward. “This is not just a show – it’s a movement,” she says. “If even one child of determination walks off that ramp feeling proud, or one woman finds her voice through this platform, we’ve done something meaningful.”


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UAE announces fuel prices for June 2025

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The UAE fuel price committee on Saturday announced petrol and diesel prices for the month of June 2025.The Fuel Prices Monitoring Committee has kept the prices unchanged from the month of May.

Super 98 petrol will cost Dh2.58 a litre, compared to Dh2.58 a litre in May, while Special 95 will cost Dh2.47 a litre, compared to Dh2.47 a litre the previous month.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKT3ZanTxNB/?igsh=cnB3Y3JubnR1Y2lk

E-Plus category petrol will be available for Dh2.39 a litre, compared to Dh2.39 a litre in May, while diesel will now cost Dh2.45 a litre, compared to Dh2.52 a litre the previous month.

The UAE deregulated fuel prices in 2015, aligning them with market fluctuations.

Fuel prices in the UAE are tied to movements in the global oil market, which has experienced significant volatility since the beginning of the year.

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