Abu Dhabi’s Balqees Al Hashmi is gearing up for a major challenge as she steps into a steel cage for the first time at the fifth edition of the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC5) on Friday.
The 20-year-old Emirati Jiu-Jitsu competitor is set to face Russian fighter Maria Odintsova in a highly anticipated bout that will test her skills and adaptability in a new arena.
In an interview, Al Hashmi expressed her excitement and nervousness about this new experience. “I have never been inside a cage and always competed on a mat. This will be a new experience,” she said.
The shift from traditional mat-based competitions to a cage environment presents a significant adjustment for Al Hashmi, who has been training intensively for the past month.
Her preparation regimen has been rigorous, including three daily training sessions combining Jiu-Jitsu and strength conditioning.
“I was having a camp for the past four weeks and training three times a day with a combination of Jiu-Jitsu and gym. I was training inside the cage, and learning and adapting to new rules of this championship,” she explained.
The ADXC’s rules differ from standard Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts, focusing solely on grappling techniques such as arm bars, leg locks, and chokes, while excluding strikes like punches and kicks.
Al Hashmi has been honing her skills at the UAEJJ Fitness and Mubadala Arena alongside her teammate Mariam Al Ali. She believes that her recent training has significantly improved her technique and mental preparation.
“My camp has been a great experience. I have been improving each day. I have watched a couple of videos. I have made improvements in my game and corrected flaws that made me lose before. I have been working on myself and my mindset. It’s more about preparing me than thinking about my opponent,” she said.
Representing the UAE in her home city adds a layer of personal significance for Al Hashmi. “There is little pressure but more excitement. I will be representing my country here in my home in front of my people, friends, and family. It feels great to have a chance to do that,” she shared. Her family is supportive yet anxious, with her mother especially worried but encouraging her to achieve a positive result.
Al Hashmi’s ambitions extend beyond this championship. She participates in approximately 10 to 15 tournaments each year and has set her sights on winning a gold medal at the Asian Games. “Last year, I got a silver medal. So, next Asian Games I want to win the first place as I promised to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed,” she stated.
In addition to Al Hashmi’s debut, the ADXC5 will feature another Emirati fighter, Omar Al Suwaidi, competing in the flyweight category. The event’s general manager, Tariq Al-Bahri of Global Vision Sports Management, expressed confidence in the Emirati fighters’ performances.
“They are good athletes and will perform well. This is Balqees’ first match inside a cage. We are all excited,” Al-Bahri noted.
The championship, hosted at the Mubadala Arena, will also showcase former UFC fighters Chad Mendes and Kevin Lee in the co-main event. With 28 fighters from 15 nationalities competing in 14 grappling and Jiu-Jitsu matches, ADXC5 promises to be a thrilling spectacle for combat sports enthusiasts.