Drawing closer by the day, the ADXC 4 is betting on the tried and true formula used by its predecessors to draw even more eyes to its tournament. With the event being held in France this time around, the organization held the official press conference this Thursday, May 16th, giving athletes the chance to answer questions from the press and fight fans, in addition to talking about their expectations for the upcoming competition, which takes place on May 18th.
Alongside Mr. Tareq Al Bahri, the IVSM’s General Manager, eight of the competitors from the main fights in the tournament sat at the table, presented by Hywel Teague. Benoit Saint Denis and Marc Diakiese, the stars from the Grappling Main Event; Espen Mathiesen and Leon Larman, who lead the Jiu-Jitsu Main Event; Ffion Davies and Morgan Black, from the Grappling Co-Main Event; and last but not least, Leonardo and Khaled Alshehhi, from the Jiu-Jitsu Co-Main Event.
One of the press conference’s high points was Mr. Tareq’s speech, in which he spoke about the ADXC and its mission of improving both the sport and the lives of its athletes. Mr. Tareq also highlighted that the sport’s benefits go far beyond the physical gains and how this competition would give local athletes a chance to reach the spotlight on the international scene.
“Our main goals with this tournament, which is now in its fourth edition, is to consolidate its strength while adding it to our previous successes, improve the athletic capabilities of Jiu-Jitsu and MMA practitioners, and establish our firm belief in the importance of sport and its pivotal role in supporting the bonds of friendship and acquaintance, especially between the UAE and the Republic of France. We are pleased with the participation of 28 male and female athletes from 15 countries in this tournament that will bring together the elite of Jiu-Jitsu and grappling stars from all over the world, all while providing a greater opportunity for European and French talents to demonstrate their abilities as they compete at a high level.”
Shifting to the competitors, one of the most popular athletes at the table was the French Benoit Saint Denis, who received many questions throughout the conference, including one from his opponent Marc Diakiese.
