MMA – BAHRAIN’S mixed martial arts (MMA) star Arsen Suleimanov will battle for his second successive world title after qualifying for the final yesterday of the senior men’s light heavyweight 93kg category at the 2026 International MMA Federation (IMMAF) World Championships, currently being held in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Suleimanov advanced to the gold medal bout following a sensational submission victory, by Von Flue choke, against France’s Salimou Danfakha in their semi-final clash yesterday at Tbilisi Arena.
Twenty-one-year-old Suleimanov will now face off with Ilias Iakhiev from Russia for the gold medal.
Iakhiev was an automatic winner in his clash in the last four against Harvey Moore from England, who was a no-show.
Their world title showdown is scheduled for tomorrow.
By qualifying for his final, Suleimanov has lived up to his tag as a reigning world champion.
He captured the junior men’s light heavyweight 93kg division crown at last year’s worlds, which was also held at the Georgian capital. He is the last Bahraini standing in the prestigious IMMAF competition, with his four fellow-national team fighters Isaev Abdula, Mahamat Youssouf, Magomed Sheikhov, and Aseel Almutawa all out of contention in their respective weight divisions.
The Bahrainis are one of 32 national teams competing in the event.
The kingdom’s delegation also includes renowned coaches Renat Iusubov, Ebrahim Aun, and Husain Abdulla.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh