Neiman Gracie grappling Benson Henderson today at ADXC, also featuring Marvin Vettori, Roberto Cyborg

In an interesting showdown at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC 1), former UFC champion Ben Henderson is geared up to face Brazil’s two-time Pan-American champion, Neiman Gracie. As the grapplers have completed their weigh-ins, the stage is now set for an evening that promises to make history in combat sports.

The ADXC 1 ), is all set to transform the landscape of jiu-jitsu and grappling in the UAE and worldwide. This event will unfold at the Mubadala Arena, coinciding with the build-up to Abu Dhabi Showdown Week. A specially constructed octagon will be the battleground for 14 thrilling matchups.

The anticipation and excitement among fans reached a fever pitch during the ceremonial weigh-ins, held inside the arena just beside the octagon. In front of an enthusiastic crowd, the 28 fighters stepped onto the scales, successfully making their respective weights and facing off. Notably, all 14 matches on the card will proceed as planned, featuring a diverse lineup of stars from Brazil, Italy, the US, Australia, Palestine, and the UAE, among other nations.

Ben Henderson will be taking on the formidable Neiman Gracie in the No-Gi Main Event. Henderson expressed his enthusiasm for this historic event, where jiu-jitsu takes place within a cage on a grand scale. He believes that the cage will introduce an intriguing dynamic, potentially affecting takedowns. Nevertheless, Henderson’s mindset remains consistent: he aims to leave the cage as the victor, regardless of the method—be it submission, decision, or a twist of fate.

Isaque Bahiense isset to face Brazilian compatriot Gustavo Batista in the Gi Main Event. He also shared his excitement about the event. With unique rules in play, Bahiense emphasized that this is one of the standout cards of 2023, promising a thrilling spectacle. The love for jiu-jitsu in Abu Dhabi, combined with the show’s grandeur, has set the stage for an unforgettable evening of combat sports.

ADXC 1 not only marks Abu Dhabi as a hub for top-tier combat sports but also promises to be a memorable event for everyone fortunate enough to be part of it. As fans eagerly await the battles, it’s evident that the ADXC 1 will leave an indelible mark on the world of jiu-jitsu and grappling.

ADXC 1 Fight Card

Main Card – October 20, 2023

    • Neiman Gracie vs. Ben Henderson – No-gi Main Event
  • Isaque Bahiense vs. Gustavo Batista – Gi Main Event
  • Marvin Vettori vs. Tarek Suleiman – No-gi Co-main Event
  • Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu vs. Anton Minenko – No-gi Co-main Event

Super Fights

  • Tayane Porfirio vs. Giovanna Jara – Gi Super Fight
  • Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Islam Nader Reda – No-gi Super Fight
  • Fabricio Andrey vs. Marcio Andre – Gi Super Fight
  • Zayed Alkatheeri vs. Thalison Soares – Gi Super Fight
  • Marcin Held vs. Guram Kutateladze – No-gi Super Fight
  • Fellipe Andrew vs. Uanderson Ferreira – Gi Super Fight
  • Jonnatas Gracie vs. Natan Chueng – No-gi Super Fight
  • Nathalie Ribeiro vs. Luiza Monteiro – Gi Super Fight
  • “Big” Dan Manasoui vs. Antonio Assef – No-gi Super Fight
  • Sarah Galvão vs. Vitoria Gabriella – Gi Super Fight