Balqees Al Hashmi, a young Emirati Jiu-Jitsu fighter, recently made headlines by dominating her Russian opponent Maria Odintsova in a steel cage fight at the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship. Balqees showcased her skills and determination by winning the bout with an Omoplata submission move, marking her first victory inside the cage. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Balqees expressed her excitement and confidence leading up to the fight, highlighting the intense preparation and training she underwent for this unique challenge.
Having transitioned from traditional Jiu-Jitsu competitions to a cage fight for the first time, Balqees relied on her grappling expertise to outperform Maria in the match. Her disciplined training regimen, which included daily workouts and dietary adjustments, equipped her with the tools needed to secure a successful outcome. Balqees’s strategic use of the octagon as a tactical advantage allowed her to control the pace of the fight and ultimately secure a unanimous decision from the judges in her favor.
Despite her dominant performance in the cage, Balqees acknowledged the skills of her opponent and the preparation she had done to counter Maria’s strengths. Throughout the three rounds of the bout, Balqees remained focused on implementing her game plan and looking for opportunities to score points. Her ability to adapt and execute the Omoplata submission move effectively showcased her versatility and determination to succeed in challenging situations.
Reflecting on her victory, Balqees expressed gratitude towards her support system, including her teammates, family, friend Mariam Al Ali, and coach Marina Ribeiro. With her sights set on future challenges, Balqees remains determined and ready to take on whatever comes her way. Her inspiring journey from traditional Jiu-Jitsu competitions to a successful debut in cage fighting serves as a testament to her resilience, skill, and commitment to excellence in the sport.
