MMA fighter Chris Corton counting on support of Filipino community at Brave CF 27

The Filipino bantamweight faces Zia Mashwani of Pakistan on the undercard at the Mubadala Arena on Friday

Mohammad Fakhreddine prepares for his middleweight bout during the Brave CF 27 workout at the YAS Mall. All images Victor Besa / The National

Abdoul Abdouraguimov will defend his welterweight title at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Abdoul Abdouraguimov will defend his belt in the main event in Abu Dhabi.

Jarrah Al Selawe works out during the open workout at the YAS Mall. He will take on Abdoul at the Mubadala Arena on Friday.

Mohammad Fakhreddine works out for his middleweight bout.

Anas Siraj Mounir will be in action in the lightweight division.

Tarek Suleiman will fight it out in the middleweight division.

Alex Martinez will take on Anas in the lightweight division.

Chris Corton is counting on the backing of the UAE's Filipino community when he marks his MMA return to Abu Dhabi this weekend.

Corton received huge support when recording a unanimous verdict over Hussein Ayad at an event in the capital just over a year ago.

The Filipino bantamweight, who boasts a mixed martial arts record of seven wins with three defeats, faces Zia Mashwan of Pakistan on the undercard of Brave CF 27 at the Mubadala Arena on Friday, and said he hopes his compatriots again show their support.

“I got a lot of support from the Filipino community when I last visited and this time around I would expect more will be behind me during the fight,” said Corton, whose nickname is "Happy Feet".

“I’m representing the Philippines and I want to do my best to raise the flag in Abu Dhabi once again. For me, it’s the passion for my work that provides me a living, and above all, representing the country.”

Corton's dedication to forge a career in MMA meant his education was put on hold. Now firmly established on the fight scene, the Filipino, 27, is in the final stages of completing a degree in hotel restaurant management.

“I got hooked to MMA and started training more because I loved the sport so much," he said.

"It actually stopped me from my higher studies as I dedicated all my time in training.”

“I got six months to go for it [finish my degree] and someday I’ll need that piece of paper if I have to fall back.

“My parents were against me for dropping out from my higher education at the beginning but when they realised I was successful in the sport they started supporting me.”

Corton practiced taekwondo and karate during his developing years before catching the MMA bug. He says he hopes to continue fighting for another 10 years, providing he stays clear of injuries.

“Actually MMA is a passion when you get into it,” he said. “We are doing what we love and at the same time earn a living from the sport.”

His opponent, Mashwani, has won only one of his three fights but Corton said he would not be taking the 23-year-old lightly.

"He's going to be a tougher opponent with good striking skills but I'm ready for him," Corton said.

“I have worked harder on my takedowns to counter Zia’s strikes. I hope I can come out of this fight without any injuries so I can make it to the Brave 28 [October 25] to fight in front of my home fans.”

Friday's 10-fight card in Abu Dhabi includes two title fights with welterweight champion Abdoul Abdouraguimov of France taking on Jordan's Jarrah Al Selawe the main event.