UAE Warriors 13: Chi-Lewis Parry headlines MMA event at new Dubai venue

Englishman defends his heavyweight title against Brazilian UFC veteran Fabio Maldonado

Chi Lewis-Parry, left, and Fabio Maldonado face off after the weigh-in ahead of Friday’s UAE Warriors 13 in Dubai. Courtesy UAE Warriors.

Chi Lewis-Parry holds the record for the quickest finish in the history of the UAE Warriors, Abu Dhabi's lead mixed martial art promotion.

A stunning right hook from the Englishman sent Mahmoud Hassan crashing to the canvas to end their heavyweight contest in just eight seconds at UAE Warriors 7 in July, 2019.

Mahmoud, nicknamed the 'Egyptian Hulk', suffered multiple fractures around his left eye and not been seen in the octagon since.

That result took Lewis-Parry’s undefeated MMA career record to eight wins and two draws.

On Friday, Lewis-Parry defends his title against Brazilian UFC veteran Fabio Maldonado, the headline contest of UAE Warriors 13, at the Rotunda Caesars Palace Bluewaters in Dubai.

It will be the first time the UAE Warriors has been staged outside of Abu Dhabi.

“We are thankful to the fighters for completely abiding by the regulations laid out because of the pandemic which this organisation has been mandated to do,” Fouad Darwish, general manager of Palms Sports, said at the official weigh-in on Thursday.

“But then again, we believe that you are the champions. You are the warriors and because of you, we are able to continue to stage such events even during these hard times.

“Because of your dedication we can bring the better in you. And with your dedication and commitments we are already planning for UAE Warriors 14, 15 and 16.”

Darwish said he was "proud" so many fighters had chosen to return to fight under the UAE Warriors banner: “One message I have for all of you is that you are part of a big family,” he added.

“I want to say we will celebrate another fight night tomorrow.”

The card features fighters from 12 countries, including two fights for women.

Christina Stelliou (6-3-0) of Greece is up against Scott Casey O’Neill, who is undefeated in four appearances, in the flyweight division.

Manon Fiorot (3-1-0) of France returns for a second successive appearance in the Warriors. She meets Naomi Tataroglu (2-2-0) of the Netherlands at flyweight.

The fight card takes place behind closed doors but will be broadcast live on Abu Dhabi Sports and the UAE Warriors YouTube.