He walks to the cage with a flag draped over his shoulders and a specific kind of pressure that most fighters can’t even begin to imagine. It’s not just about the win. For Abdul Kareem Al Selwady, it’s about a village, a heritage, and a decade-long grind that started when he was just 17 years old. Honestly, if you only saw his UFC debut, you're missing the real story.
Mixed martial arts is a cruel business. One minute you're the blue-chip prospect who just dismantled George Hardwick on Dana White’s Contender Series, and the next, you’re on the wrong end of a highlight-reel knockout against Loik Radzhabov. But Al Selwady isn't some fly-by-night newcomer. He’s a veteran of the game who has been a champion in almost every organization he’s touched before hitting the big stage.
The Long Road to the Octagon
A lot of fans think these guys just appear out of thin air when they get signed to the UFC. Not this time. Abdul Kareem Al Selwady has been a pro since 2012. Think about that for a second. While most kids his age were worrying about prom or college applications, he was stepping into the Desert Force cage and knocking people out.
He’s basically a pioneer of MMA in the Middle East. He wasn't just "on the cards"; he was the guy. He became the Desert Force featherweight champion. Then he moved up and took the Brave Combat Federation lightweight belt. He even grabbed the Fury FC title in Texas.
You don't win three titles in three different major regional promotions by accident. It takes a specific kind of mental toughness, especially when you’re constantly moving across the world to find better training.
He eventually landed at Fortis MMA in Dallas. Working under Sayif Saud changed everything. Saud is known for a "no-nonsense" style of coaching—military-grade discipline and high-level strategy. It’s a perfect match for Al Selwady’s aggressive, wrestling-heavy base.
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That Debut and the Loik Radzhabov Fight
Let’s talk about March 2024. People were high on Al Selwady after he absolutely shut down George Hardwick. Hardwick was supposed to be the "next big thing" out of the UK, and Abdul Kareem just... took it from him. He showed lateral movement and a gas tank that didn't quit.
Then came the UFC debut against Loik Radzhabov.
Combat sports are weird. For two rounds, Al Selwady looked like he belonged. He was landing, he was moving, and he was winning the minutes. Then, 49 seconds into the third round, the lights went out. A right hook from Radzhabov ended the night.
Critics jumped on him immediately. That’s just how the internet works now. But if you actually watch the tape, the "Pride of Palestine" wasn't outclassed; he was caught. There’s a massive difference.
Why the Nickname Actually Matters
Most fighters pick a nickname because it sounds cool or it’s catchy for a t-shirt. Al Selwady didn’t pick his. "The Pride of Palestine" was given to him by the people in his ancestral village.
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It’s a weight.
He’s talked before about how his mom was basically his first nutritionist and his dad was his first coach. It’s a family business. When he fights, he’s carrying the hopes of a diaspora that doesn’t get many wins on the global sporting stage.
Breaking Down the Style
Al Selwady is a BJJ brown belt, but he doesn't fight like a typical "jiu-jitsu guy." He’s a pressure cooker.
- Wrestling Base: He averages over two takedowns per 15 minutes.
- Striking Volume: He lands more than 4 significant strikes per minute, which is high for the lightweight division.
- The Fortis Factor: Under Sayif Saud, his feints have become "educated." He doesn't just throw; he sets traps.
The biggest misconception is that he’s a "regional specialist" who can’t handle the power of the UFC’s 155-pounders. That’s a lazy take. You don't beat someone like Lucas Martins—a former UFC vet—if you don't have the chin and the skill to hang at the top level.
What’s Next for Abdul Kareem?
He’s scheduled to fight in Riyadh soon. Fighting in the Middle East is a different beast for him. It's a homecoming. He hasn't fought in that region in five years, and having his father back in his corner for this one is going to be a huge emotional boost.
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The lightweight division is a shark tank. It’s arguably the hardest weight class in the world. For Al Selwady to break into the Top 15, he has to prove that the Radzhabov knockout was a fluke and not a structural flaw in his defense.
He’s 29 years old. In MMA years, that’s his prime.
He’s got the wrestling. He’s got the cardio. Now he just needs the consistency.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking his career, stop looking at the Win/Loss column in a vacuum. Watch his footwork in the second round of his fights; that’s where he usually starts to pull away.
For those looking to see if he’s a "betting underdog" worth taking, look at his training footage from Fortis. If he’s tightening up that high-guard defense, he’s going to be a problem for anyone outside the Top 10.
Keep an eye on the Riyadh card. A win there doesn't just put him back on the map; it solidifies him as the face of Arab MMA for the next five years. He's not just a fighter; he's a representative of a culture that is finally finding its footing in the Octagon.
The journey of Abdul Kareem Al Selwady is far from over. It’s just getting to the interesting part.