HEWLÊR-Erbil,—An 18-year-old mixed martial artist from the Soran district of Erbil has made headlines after clinching first place at a prestigious tournament in the United Arab Emirates.
Mohammed Salih’s achievement has brought pride to his community, as local officials and fans celebrated his return to the Kurdistan Region.
“We are immensely proud as the Soran administration to welcome Mohammed back. His accomplishment is a great honor for our area and its people,” Rajab Zuber, the mayor of Soran district, told Rudaw TV during a reception held in Salih’s honor.
Salih, who has competed in 13 international tournaments and set five world records, dreams of one day joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s premier MMA organization.
During the AUE Warriors Championship, Salih defeated a South African opponent on Friday, following a victory over a Moroccan competitor on July 28. At every competition, Salih proudly displays the Kurdistan flag.
“I have carried the Kurdistan flag to all 13 tournaments I’ve participated in,” Salih said. “My ultimate goal is to reach the UFC. I want to introduce the Kurdish people to the world and make them proud. Becoming the first Kurd in the UFC would be a great honor, and I will not stop until I achieve it.”
Salih’s journey to international success was shaped by a challenging upbringing. His father, Salih Abdullah, spoke of his son’s determination and resilience, which were forged through tough circumstances.
“As a child, Mohammed had boundless energy,” Abdullah recalled. “He often wanted to compete, but I couldn’t afford to send him. There were times when I had to borrow money for him to participate. He started working with me at the age of 13 or 14, helping sell fava beans and turnips. His hard work and persistence have brought him here.”
Salih’s victory has not only elevated his personal profile but also shone a spotlight on the potential of Kurdish athletes on the global stage.
(Credit: Rudaw)
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