Mohammad Saif, a passionate professional wrestler and promoter based in Dubai, is at the forefront of the growing wrestling scene in the UAE.

With a deep commitment to the sport, Saif has been instrumental in creating opportunities for aspiring wrestlers and building a strong, supportive community in the region. His journey highlights the exciting developments in the UAE wrestling scene.

“We were all so hungry to improve, and it was clear that we had the talent. We just needed the right guidance.”

Saif’s introduction to wrestling began in Dubai, where he first encountered the sport at a local event. Immediately captivated, he decided to dive into training. However, his early experience was challenging, as his initial coach had to leave unexpectedly. This setback only fueled Saif’s determination to improve. He took the initiative to travel to London for advanced training, learning from some of the best coaches in the UK.

“When I came back, I wanted to share what I learned with everyone here,” Saif explained. “We were all so hungry to improve, and it was clear that we had the talent. We just needed the right guidance.”

This experience not only honed his skills but also gave him the knowledge to help build the wrestling community back in Dubai. Saif is now committed to using his experience to grow the local wrestling scene.

Wrestling Academy: More Than Just Wrestling

Saif’s involvement extends beyond the ring; he’s also deeply invested in developing the next generation of wrestlers. The wrestling academy he’s part of, takes a comprehensive approach to training, focusing on much more than just the physical aspects of the sport.

“We teach our wrestlers how to promote themselves“

“At the core, we’re preparing people for a career in wrestling,” Saif said. “But it’s not just about learning moves. We teach our wrestlers how to promote themselves, build their brand, and even start their own businesses. Wrestling is as much about being an entrepreneur as it is about being an athlete.”

The academy offers training in various aspects of the wrestling business, including refereeing, event production, and creative elements like graphic design and video production. This holistic approach ensures that everyone involved, whether in the ring or behind the scenes, gains the skills needed to succeed.

 

“We’re not just building wrestlers; we’re building a community.”

“We’ve had around 100 volunteers since we started, and many of them have gone on to work in different areas of wrestling, from event production to creative design,” Saif shared. “We’re not just building wrestlers; we’re building a community.”

One of the most impressive aspects of Saif’s work is the strong fan base he’s helped cultivate. Despite challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, the community has shown unwavering support. Saif recalled a particularly memorable event where heavy rain caused multiple postponements.

“We had to push the event back several times, and it finally happened on a Monday night,” he said. “But our fans still showed up in their work clothes, and kids came in their school uniforms. It was amazing to see that kind of dedication.”

This dedicated fan base is something Saif deeply values. Starting in September, they plan to begin streaming their events online, making them accessible to a wider audience.

“We’re going to be the first promotion in the Middle East to stream on Fite TV”

“We’re going to be the first promotion in the Middle East to stream on Fite TV,” Saif said proudly. “We’re really looking forward to showcasing our talent on a global stage.”

Another exciting development has been the involvement of well-known wrestlers like Mansur, a former WWE star. Saif shared how Mansur’s first international appearance after leaving WWE was at one of their events in Dubai.

“Mansur is a dear friend, and it was a full-circle moment for me to wrestle him,” Saif said. “He wanted his first international show after WWE to be here, in Dubai. It was incredible to see someone from this region making it big and then coming back to support the local scene.”

Looking ahead, Saif has big plans for the future. He recently had the opportunity to train at the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo in Los Angeles, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that further solidified his commitment to wrestling. His long-term goal is to continue building the wrestling community in the UAE while also pursuing opportunities on the global stage.

For those considering a career in wrestling, Saif’s advice is simple: don’t be afraid to try. “You never know until you try,” he said. “I was in a similar position, unsure at first, but once I took that step, everything changed.”

He also shared that his biggest inspirations growing up were Mexican wrestling legends like Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero. Their high-flying style and fearless approach to the sport resonated with him, and he hopes to inspire others in the same way.

Mohammad Saif is more than just a wrestler; he’s a mentor, promoter, and community builder. His work in the UAE’s wrestling scene is paving the way for future stars and creating a vibrant community that’s gaining recognition both locally and internationally. As he continues to grow and expand his efforts, there’s no doubt that the future of wrestling in the UAE looks brighter than ever.