Fox International Channels has joined hands with iSee Entertainment and Events to launch the first All-Arab mixed martial arts reality show - Al Batal – which will see 14 of the region’s greatest amateur Welterweight MMA fighters battle it out for a Dh75,000 ($20,413) cash prize.

The iSee Entertainment and Events is a leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization which had launched the Abu Dhabi Fighting Championship (ADFC) in 2010.

The winner of Al Batal (‘hero’ in Arabic) contest, will also win a remarkable multi-fight contract with the ADFC.

The highly-anticipated series – set to air for the first time and exclusively on FX from April 17 onwards– will provide unprecedented insight into the trials and triumphs of the next generation of Arab MMA fighters.

In effect, the contestants will face an extremely competitive environment – replete with tough challenges – as well as endure strenuous training sessions led by three MMA luminaries: Founding partner of MMA Conditioning Luiz Eduardo ‘Lula’ Guerreiro, renowned UAE-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter Abdelaziz Cherigui, who holds a third degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr., and acclaimed Brazilian National Boxing Coach, Ulysses Pereira.

The collaboration is perfectly in line with FIC’s impressive line-up of adrenaline-fueled competitive sports shows – airing on FX, Fox Movies and Fox Sports, said a statement from the company.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with FIC for such an exciting initiative and look forward to working together to both launch and spearhead the careers of emerging Arab MMA fighters,” said Randall Yogachandra, iSee’s chief operations officer.

“At iSee Entertainment and Events, we have long recognized the importance of supporting MMA – the world’s fastest-growing sport. And, through this joint venture, we hope to encourage the region’s MMA fighters to pursue their dreams. This collaboration is right on par with our vision to propel these talented young men to greatness, using the prestigious ADFC platform,” he noted.

Athreyan Sundararajan, the head of marketing at Fox International Channels Middle East, said, "The partnership further reinforces our strong commitment to local programming and creating a platform for Middle Eastern talent."

"Airing for the first time and exclusively on FX, Fox Movies and Fox Sports, this reality TV show marks a true television milestone for the region, as the only Arab MMA reality TV competition. We are extremely proud to collaborate with iSee Entertainment and Events for such a revolutionary show," he added.

The show is being sponsored by Ford and Built Ford Tough Trucks.

“We are delighted to have partnered with Al Batal,” said Paul Anderson, the marketing director of Ford Middle East. “After all, winning the Al Batal reality TV competition will require skills, endurance, resilience and overall toughness – the very characteristics that help define Built Ford Tough Trucks."

"It is by accomplishing these key performance components that the Al Batal fighters can become true champions and, it is precisely these factors that have led Ford to serve as the reigning champion in truck sales for 36 years straight. Al Batal and Ford, it is a perfect match," he noted.

Royal Catering, a leading turn-key catering solutions company, is also serving as Al Batal’s exclusive Food & Water partner.

“At Royal Catering we are known for supporting unique initiatives with tremendous potential, and so, Al Batal immediately fit the profile,” said Jean Pierre Garat, the GM of Royal Catering.

The new reality TV show is scheduled to premiere in the region on April 17 and air every Wednesday at 10pm (Saudi time/11pm UAE on Free-to-air TV through FX. A repeat of the series will also air two days later on Fox Movies as well as on Pay television through Fox Sports.-TradeArabia News Service

“Most importantly, we understand how demanding and specific an MMA fighter’s diet can be and so, we wanted to partake in this groundbreaking initiative and offer an expert nutritionist, on hand to guide and support participants,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service