Amman:Jordan Mixed Martial Arts Week showcased a blend of international sporting competition and cultural activities, culminating in the DF UNCAGED championship at Amman's Roman Theater. The event attracted approximately 5,000 spectators, as reported by the organizers.
According to Jordan News Agency, the main events of the MMA Week took place from October 27 to 30 across several locations. The week began with a press conference in Amman, followed by open training sessions along the Dead Sea waterfront, official weigh-ins at the Amman Citadel, and the championship's fight night at the Roman Theater.
The program also included tours for international celebrities and fighters to various destinations across Jordan, such as Petra, Jerash, the Dead Sea, and Mount Nebo, among others. The championship featured 14 bouts with 28 fighters from 14 countries, including six Arab nations. Notably, four Jordanian fighters competed, with three securing victories in front of their home crowd.
Additional attractions during the event included performances by the Jordan Armed Forces military band and the Ma'an Folklore Troupe, alongside traditional folk performances. The second-century Roman Theater served as a historic backdrop for the event, with performers in Roman- and Nabataean-inspired costumes adding to the cultural ambiance.
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan attended the championship, joined by international sports and entertainment figures such as boxing legend Mike Tyson and Brazilian football star Ronaldinho. Their participation helped extend the event's reach to diverse audiences.
Visual content created by Jordanian production teams was shared on social media platforms, combining footage of the celebrities' activities with promotional content for Jordanian destinations. The championship was broadcast on Jordan Television, MBC Action, and the Shahid streaming platform, featuring promotional segments of Jordanian tourist sites.
Makana 360 CEO Abdulrahman Hassami highlighted the initiative's aim to connect sports enthusiasts and international personalities with Jordan's tourism offerings. He emphasized the potential of sports tourism to turn international exposure into meaningful visitor experiences that encourage tourists to explore Jordan.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Imad Hijazeen underscored the potential of major sporting events to introduce international visitors to Jordan's hospitality and culture, aiming to convert online interest into actual visits. The approach supports the UN Tourism's emphasis on sports tourism as a means of diversifying tourism-related businesses.
Jordan Mixed Martial Arts Week was organized by Makana 360 and Jordan Combat Consulting, in cooperation with the Jordan Mixed Martial Arts Federation and with support from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board.