971 FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS TO DUBAI WITH A COLOSSAL MAIN EVENT: MUHAMMAD MOKAEV VS ALISHER GABDULLIN SET FOR COCA-COLA ARENA ON JUNE 14

DUBAI, UAE - 7 MAY 2025 – The stage is set for a landmark night in Middle Eastern combat sports. 971 Fighting Championship (971FC) roars back into action this summer with a mega showdown at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai — a night destined to shake the regional and international MMA scene.

Headlining this action-packed event is a must-see bantamweight showdown between two world-class fighters: Muhammad Mokaev (14-0, 1 NC) and Alisher Gabdullin (15-4).

MAIN EVENT: MUHAMMAD MOKAEV VS ALISHER GABDULLIN

A new chapter in global MMA will be written as Muhammad Mokaev, one of the sport’s most electrifying undefeated prospects, squares off against Kazakhstan’s surging contender Alisher Gabdullin in a clash brimming with tension, opportunity, and danger.

Muhammad “The Punisher” Mokaev arrives at 971 Fighting Championship with a perfect professional record, following a celebrated amateur career where he captured multiple world titles. Hailing from Dagestan and raised in Manchester, Mokaev combines Olympic-calibre wrestling, relentless pressure, and elite-level grappling into one of the most suffocating styles in modern MMA. His high fight IQ, explosive transitions, and championship mindset have positioned him as a future global superstar — and June 14 represents another step toward cementing his legacy.

Mokaev isn’t here just to win. He’s here to dominate — and to show the world why he is considered by many as the next unstoppable force in the flyweight division.

But standing in his way is a new and dangerous threat: Alisher Gabdullin.

Fighting out of Kazakhstan, Gabdullin has built an impressive reputation in his homeland’s fiercely competitive combat sports scene. A polished striker with sharp technical boxing, powerful low kicks, and a rock-solid wrestling base, Gabdullin enters this bout with 8 wins and a reputation as a finisher. Trained in one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing MMA hotbeds, Gabdullin brings both skill and fearless aggression — a combination that has upset more established names before.

While Mokaev carries the pressure of expectation, Gabdullin enters with nothing to lose and everything to gain — a dangerous position for any fighter facing a young, hungry challenger.

This is more than a battle between two top talents.
It’s an international collision of fighting cultures.
It’s a clash between the precision of Dagestan and the raw firepower of Kazakhstan.
And it's a fight that could change the trajectory of both men's careers forever.

For Mokaev, a victory solidifies his place as the next global superstar.


For Gabdullin, it’s a chance to shock the world and take the biggest scalp of his career.


Dubai will be the proving ground. The world will be watching. Beyond the headline showdown, fans can look forward to a stacked card featuring 14 fights, with full bout announcements coming soon.

971 FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP: BUILDING HEROES, NOT JUST EVENTS

Founded by former UFC fighter and regional MMA pioneer Mounir Lazzez, 971 Fighting Championship is not just promoting fights — it’s building a movement.

With a mission to showcase the values of martial arts — respect, integrity, humility, and courage — 971FC is elevating the sport across the region, developing grassroots talent and telling the stories of fighters who inspire. The brand is setting a new global standard for MMA production in the GCC, combining high-impact storytelling, elite athleticism, and world-class spectacle.

The brand's foundation is built on the core tenets of martial arts: respect, courage, integrity, and humility. Its events are designed to entertain and inspire, offering a platform for both established international fighters and emerging talent from the region.

FOUNDER’S VISION: MOUNIR LAZZEZ

Founded by Mounir Lazzez, a trailblazing MMA athlete and former UFC welterweight, 971FC reflects his deep commitment to athlete empowerment and regional development. Lazzez was the first Arab fighter signed to the UFC, representing Tunisia and the wider Arab world on the global stage.

Transitioning from competitor to promoter, Lazzez brings first-hand knowledge of the fighter’s journey — the physical demands, the mental toll, and the lack of institutional support often faced in emerging markets.

‘’971FC is committed to more than just hosting events — we’re about building generations and contributing to the growth of MMA and martial arts in the UAE," says Mounir Lazzez, founder of 971FC.

"We are humbled to play a role in shaping this industry, providing opportunities for rising athletes to compete and offering elite fighters a platform to do what they do best.’’

He continued:  "Mokaev vs Gabdullin will be an absolute masterclass! Two incredible fighters, each with their own remarkable journey, in one arena where history will be made. June 14th will be a night to remember."

Following its debut at The Agenda last year to a sold-out crowd, 971FC now steps up to one of the region’s largest arenas for an event that promises to raise the bar for sports entertainment in the GCC.

Be there for the most anticipated MMA fight night of 2025 at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Available at: www.coca-cola-arena.com | Platinum List

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Press Office – 971 Fighting Championship
Email: media@971-fc.com