Inspring the future: Brave 16 open workouts in Abu Dhabi held exclusively for children learning martial arts

MTK MMA's Mounir Lazzez at the Brave 16 open workouts in Abu Dhabi. Photo courtesy Brave Combat Federation

Brave Combat Federation have held their open workouts in Abu Dhabi ahead of this Friday night’s Brave 16 event.

Two titles will be decided at the Mabudala Arena, the home of UAE Jiu-jitsu, with Carlston Harris’s welterweight defence top billing.

The open workouts went down at Abu Dhabi’s Primal Gym.

Typically a day for the general public and fans to watch the fighters go through the motions, the event instead was made exclusive for children training in various martial arts.

Carlston Harris, Elias Boudegzdame, Jarrah Al Selawe, Bubba Jenkins, Bruno Malfacine, Cristian Rodriguez, Mounir Lazzez and Dmitrijs Homjakovs all took part, sharing their experiences and interacting with the young martial art practitioners.

Malfacine a highlight

Ten times IBJJF world champion, Bruno Malfacine explained various Brazilian Jiu-jitsu techniques, even allowing himself to be submitted by curious children during mock sparring sessions.

Undefeated Brazilian flyweight Malfacine (2-0 MMA) is returning to the Brave cage to take on Cristian Rodriguez Jr (3-1) tomorrow night.

The session was finished with the usual fighter face-offs and photo ops for children alongside their favourite superstars.

“We aim to spread the message of inspiring the society to embrace a healthy and disciplined lifestyle”, said Mohammed Shaid, Brave president, in the wake of the workouts.

“Brave Combat Federation believes that such initiatives reflect our social commitment and will have an impact on the society. This also help our athletes to understand the bigger picture of their impact upon the society and influence they can exert upon the future generations.”

Brave 16 takes place this Friday night with fights streaming online at bravefights.com, FiteTV and select TV partners.