Doha has recently emerged as the epicenter of exhilarating sporting events, captivating fans from around the globe with its diverse offerings. On February 20, 2025, Joshua 'The Passion' Pacio clinched the Strawweight MMA World Championship at the sensational ONE 171: Qatar, held at the Lusail Sports Arena. Despite facing early adversity against USA's Jarred 'The Monkey God' Brooks, who dominated the opening round, Pacio's unyielding spirit and the fervent support from his Filipino fans propelled him to a decisive victory via technical knockout.
“I am speechless. I’ve been through so much this year. Thank you so much, Qatar. Thank you to all the kababayans for your support. The atmosphere is amazing, and that's why I call Qatar home,” Pacio expressed after his victory. The event was not only exhilarating but also featured 15 captivating bouts, showcasing exceptional talent across various weight classes.
Among other highlights, Jonathan 'The General' Haggerty captured the Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship, triumphing over Wei Rui by unanimous decision. The night was filled with intense moments, including Roberto 'Robocop' Soldic's stunning first-round knockout of Dagi Arslanaliev, demonstrating the high-stakes action expected at such high-profile events.
Meanwhile, the sporting spirit of Doha continues with the Qatar International Friendship Artistic Gymnastics Championship, which is set to kick off at Aspire Academy on February 23, 2025. The two-day event promises to be a platform for 225 young gymnasts from six countries—Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq—to showcase their skills. Organized competitively across 16 teams, the championship aims to nurture young talent and prepare them for future international contests.
Ali Al Hitmi, President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, confirmed, “All preparations have been finalized, and we are ready for the championship’s launch. The organizing teams have been working diligently to make this event successful.” He added emphasis on the opportunity for teams to gauge their performances against solid rivals.
Abeer Al Buainain, Vice President of the Organizing Committee, shared the enthusiasm surrounding the event, asserting, “The championship has generated great interest, and we are all looking forward to fantastic competition.” The event's compliance with International Gymnastics Federation regulations promises professionalism and fair play throughout the competition.
Samira Said, Tournament Director, highlighted the importance of the event for young gymnasts, explaining, “This championship is a fantastic opportunity for young gymnasts to gain international experience and develop their skills.” The showcase of talent is expected to promote gymnastics culture particularly within Qatar.
Building on this momentum, Doha is also gearing up to host the world’s first all-electric race boat series, the UIM E1 World Championship, set for February 21 and 22, 2025, at The Pearl Island. Title partnered by Visit Qatar, this event not only marks Qatar's growing influence as a global racing hub but also emphasizes the nation’s commitment to sustainable sports tourism.
The E1 series will feature innovative electric technology, showcasing high-intensity excitement on water. The surrounding Acceleration Festival fan zone will provide attendees with live DJ performances, children’s entertainment, and exclusive merchandise—ensuring an unmatched experience for fans.
Residents and visitors can participate by booking free tickets online. Premium hospitality experiences are available through MATCH Hospitality Asia, with luxurious offerings at the Racers’ Lounge, including gourmet dining and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with race team pilots.
Doha's continuous investment and commitment to hosting cutting-edge sporting events reinforce its reputation as a center for international sporting excellence. Whether through the electrifying atmosphere of mixed martial arts or the breathtaking innovation of electric boat racing, Qatar is undoubtedly making its mark on the global sports scene.