Unbeaten champion Asaf Chopurov (10-0) will make the first defense of his bantamweight title against Rhys McLaren (19-9) on July 23 in Abu Dhabi. The bout is scheduled for UAE Warriors 72.
Unbeaten bantamweight champion Asaf Chopurov will put his title on the line for the first time when he meets Rhys McLaren at UAE Warriors 72 on July 23 in Abu Dhabi.
Chopurov carries a perfect ten-and-zero professional record into the contest, having claimed the bantamweight championship without yet tasting defeat. The matchup represents the first test of his reign as champion and a significant milestone in what has been an unblemished career to date.
McLaren enters the bout as the challenger with considerable experience behind him, bringing a record of nineteen wins and nine losses to Abu Dhabi. His nineteen victories suggest a durable and tested competitor who has navigated the highs and lows of a lengthy professional career.
Why it matters
- Chopurov's unbeaten record faces its stiffest challenge yet with championship gold on the line
- McLaren's experience gives him a notable edge in total fights contested, providing a meaningful stylistic and mental test for the young champion
- The UAE Warriors 72 card adds another high-stakes title bout to Abu Dhabi's growing reputation as a destination for competitive regional MMA
