Gabriel Almada 
Emirati Zayed Alkatheeri is the most expressive name in Jiu-Jitsu in the Middle East and has emerged as an elite roosterweight. At the age of 23, Zayed has already proven his worth and has won major championships such as the World Pro 2022. The victory at AJP’s biggest event put Zayed in the spotlight and he has continued his commendable performance on the mats.
In the next few days, Zayed will have the opportunity to shine on one of the most significant stages in Jiu-Jitsu today. The emirati is scheduled to take part in the bombastic ADXC 1 card, scheduled for October 20 in Abu Dhabi.
He will face Thalison Soares in a lightweight bout. Zayed will be fighting in front of his home crowd and could win the most important victory of his career so far.
ADXC can boost Zayed
In an interview with VF Comunica, Zayed described the sensation of defending his country at the ADXC and told us how he feels just over a week before the event.
“Jiu-Jitsu has an extraordinary history, authored by individuals who have dedicated their lives to the development and notoriety of this martial art throughout the world. From my point of view, the United Arab Emirates, through the Jiu-Jitsu project inspired and supported by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, has contributed positively to this history and positively impacted the lives of many. So representing my country and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu project is an honor and a huge responsibility. I feel motivated and prepared for this challenge, which is the most significant of my career so far,” said Zayed.
Zayed evaluated his first year in the elite of Jiu-Jitsu, and believes that he still has room for evolution, despite the exciting start.
“I rate my first year as a black belt positively, I won the IBJJF Pan American Championship and the AJP World Pro, as well as other important titles. I also achieved the rank of best black belt in the UAE, all in my debut year at this level. This shows my potential, but I recognize that there is still a lot of room for improvement in many aspects. All in all, I hope to develop the necessary qualities to achieve my best possible version,” reiterated the Emirati.
Zayed takes on Thalison at ADXC
The current World Pro champion praised Thalison’s technical quality.
“Thalison Soares is a very talented athlete, one of the best in the history of my weight class. His technique and exemplary conduct deserve my respect and admiration. I’ve been working diligently to neutralize his strengths and emphasize my own. It’s going to be an incredible fight, so I’m motivated to do my best,” Zayed enthused.
Zayed mentioned other fights that he is excited about, but guaranteed that the BJJ community will be the big winner with the ADXC.
“The card for the first edition of ADXC looks incredible! All high-quality athletes and intriguing matches. Márcio André versus Fabrício Andrey will be insane! Isaque Bahiense versus Gustavo Batista also promises to be interesting. It’s hard to predict the winners of each fight. However, one thing’s for sure: the Jiu-Jitsu community will be the big winners with a real talent show,” concluded the emirati.
