Hamdy Abdelwahab made history this past weekend.
Abdelwahab earned a split decision victory in his promotional debut against Don’Tale Mayes in their heavyweight encounter at UFC 277 on Saturday night.
As a result, Abdelwahab — the first Egyptian UFC fighter — also became the first Egyptian to hold a win in the UFC.
It was a big moment not only for him, but his entire nation as he looks to inspire the future of Egypt to start pursuing mixed martial arts.
“I feel great,” Abdelwahab said at the post-fight press conference (via MMA Junkie). “I’m representing 100 million people. You cannot imagine how many people they fly from Egypt to Dallas to watch the fight. It’s 5 in the morning right now in Egypt – people are still awake. They’re still watching the fights on the internet and they’re supporting me. That’s how I have to pay them back – to get them the win and make them proud of one of them becoming a UFC fighter and show them we can do it. We’re Arab – we can do it.
“Now people will start to know what MMA is. There’s one of them, one of their family representing them on the biggest stage in the world. I think I’ll be a big idol for a lot of kids, a lot of people supporting me, watching me tonight. I’m so happy to be doing this. I’m not just fighting for myself, I fight for a lot of people.”
Hamdy Abdelwahab Looking To Fight In Abu Dhabi
It’s already been a big year for Abdelwahab.
He only turned pro this year but has notched up a 4-0 record with one win in the UFC.
There would be no better way for him to cap off a memorable year than to compete at UFC 280 which takes place October 22 in Abu Dhabi. Especially with the Arab community behind him now.
“I would love to fight in Abu Dhabi,” Abdelwahab said. “I have a very big Arab community now behind me. You have no idea how many people start texting me. I have no idea who these people are. But yes, I would love to.
“I promise. Just let me know. Now I have a big time to get ready. If I’m ready for that fight, I promise you I knock him out in the first round. First couple of seconds in the fight.”
UFC 280 is currently headlined by a lightweight title fight between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev.
