Hamza Kooheji Pins Hopes on Rising Star Mohammed Alsameea at BRAVE CF 80

12 December 2023

Bahrain's celebrated MMA figure, Hamza Kooheji, the nation's top-ranked fighter, is currently on the sidelines due to injury. While he won't be able to represent Bahrain and the Arab world in the upcoming Arab Legends vs UK & Ireland event at BRAVE CF 80 on December 15, he places his hopes on the shoulders of the promising young talent, Mohammed 'Zuhair' Alsameea.

Despite being unable to participate, Kooheji sees immense potential in 20-year-old Alsameea, who recently transitioned to the professional scene after an impressive amateur career and securing a world silver medal in the IMMAF Championships.

Alsameea is set to showcase his skills at BRAVE CF 80, where he will go head-to-head with Yehia Ashraf. Reflecting on their shared journey, Kooheji spoke highly of Alsameea's beginnings, emphasizing their time training together at KHK.

"Zuhair came to the gym when he was young. He trained with Yousif (Kooheji) much more than with me. I wasn’t always available at that time because I would train around the world. When I used to see him, he was 12 or 13 and really motivated. The good thing about him is that he has a heart, he’s not afraid. He is a really good fighter and is not afraid to give his 100% all the time," Kooheji shared.

Alsameea is now being recognized as the future of Bahraini MMA, with Kooheji identifying him as the next force to take over the sport. As a Flyweight, Alsameea aspires to make a global impact akin to the legacy left by Kooheji, one of his idols. The next pivotal step towards this ambitious goal will unfold on December 15, when Alsameea steps into the cage at BRAVE CF 80.