Tag: Hamdy Abdelwahab

Hamdy Abdelwahab returns vs. Jamal Pogues at UFC Saudi Arabia

At UFC Saudi Arabia, Egypt’s Hamdy Abdelwahab fights for the first time in two-and-a-half years.

[autotag]Hamdy Abdelwahab[/autotag] is set for his second UFC bout.

At the UFC Fight Night event Feb. 1 expected to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Abdelwahab (5-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will meet [autotag]Jamal Pogues[/autotag] (11-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC) in a three-round heavyweight bout.

Two people with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Egypt’s Abdelwahab aims to maintain his perfect undefeated record. He entered the UFC with a 100 percent TKO/knockout rate across gloved and bareknuckle MMA. He has not competed since July 2022, as he’s served a pair of suspensions handed out by UFC anti-doping partners.

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Initially, Abdelwahab’s debut was a win by split decision over Don’Tale Mayes. However, after he tested positive for anabolic agent methenolone and subsequent “tampering”, the win was overturned to a no contest. Abdelwahab was suspended two years by USADA.

Following the conclusion of his USADA suspension in July, Abdelwahab was suspended an additional six months by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) for an additional drug test failure, this time for exogenous testosterone. However, CSAD determined the failure was due to a tainted supplement.

Pogues, 28, debuted after a win on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022. He defeated Josh Parisian in his debut before a loss to Mick Parkin months later. In February, Pogues defeated Thomas Petersen. All three of those fights were unanimous decisions.

With the addition, the UFC Saudi Arabia lineup includes:

  • Ikram Aliskerov vs. Andre Muniz
  • Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
  • Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Jamal Pogues

UFC suspends Hamdy Abdelwahab six months for second drug test failure, points to supplement

Since UFC heavyweight Hamdy Abdelwahab was already in the midst of a drug suspension, the punishment for a second one doubled.

UFC heavyweight [autotag]Hamdy Abdelwahab[/autotag] hadn’t reached the conclusion of his first drug suspension when the second one was handed out. But according to the promotion’s anti-doping program, the terms of the second failure are different from the first.

Wednesday, UFC anti-doping program CSAD announced Abdelwahab (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has been suspended six months for exogenous testosterone. The suspension begins July 30, which marks the conclusion of a two-year drug suspension handed out in 2022. That suspension, which was handed out by then-drug testing partner USADA, was for methenolone and subsequent “tampering.”

Unlike his first drug test failure, however, the promotion was able to locate the source of substance. Abdelwahab provided CSAD with a list of supplements he used, including one that Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory (SMRTL) determined contained traces of testosterone, despite not being labeled that way.

According to CSAD, the supplement was not third-party tested, which is a danger the program frequently warns athletes of. As a result, Abdelwahab faced a three-month suspension. However, since Abdelwahab was still amid a previous drug suspension, the penalty doubled to six months.

Abdelwahab will be eligible to return Jan. 30, 2025.

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Abdelwahab’s lone UFC appearance was a win over Don’Tale Mayes at UFC 277 in July 2022. The first drug test failure was in connection with the bout, so the win was overturned to a no contest by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

Prior to his UFC signing, Abdelwahab was 3-0 in gloved MMA and 2-0 in bareknuckle MMA. He was the first Egypt-born fighter in UFC history.

Hamdy Abdelwahab suspended, has UFC debut win overturned after positive drug test and ‘tampering’

The first Egypt-born fighter in UFC history no longer has a promotional win on his record.

UFC heavyweight prospect [autotag]Hamdy Abdelwahab[/autotag] no longer has a promotional win on his resume.

Friday, UFC anti-doping partner USADA announced Abdelwahab (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) recently was suspended for two years after he tested positive twice for anabolic agent methenolone and its metabolites. He also was flagged for a tampering violation.

“Abdelwahab did not declare the use of methenolone on his onboarding declaration forms and did not establish a compelling justification for his failure to do so,” a USADA announcement said. “Based on USADA’s investigation, it was determined that Abdelwahab used the prohibited substance and knew of his obligation to declare it.”

The positive tests stemmed from a split decision win over [autotag]Don’Tale Mayes[/autotag] (9-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) at UFC 277 in July. The event took place in Dallas. A Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) representative confirmed to MMA Junkie the win has been overturned to a “no decision” (no contest).

“When a combative sports contestant in Texas tests positive for a banned substance, we place them on a 90-day suspension,” TDLR public information officer Tela Mange said in a written statement to MMA Junkie. “If the contestant won the bout, we list the bout as ‘No Decision.’ We can also pursue an administrative penalty and a monetary penalty could also be issued against the contestant. This case has been referred to our Enforcement Division for further investigation.”

Abdelwahab, 30, will be eligible to return to competition July 30, 2024, two years from the first positive test.

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With Hamdy Abdelwahab out, Slim Trabelsi steps in to face Parker Porter at UFC 280

Slim Trabelsi has signed with the UFC and will be making his debut next month.

[autotag]Slim Trabelsi[/autotag] has signed with the UFC and will make his debut next month.

[autotag]Hamdy Abdelwahab[/autotag] has been forced out of UFC 280 and Trabelsi (5-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will step in to face [autotag]Parker Porter[/autotag] (13-7 MMA, 3-2 UFC) on Oct. 22 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

A person with knowledge of his removal from the card told MMA Junkie his withdrawal is for a non-injury reason. ESPN was first to report the news of the booking.

Tunisia’s Trabelsi, a former amateur wrestler, has trained with the likes of UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and former interim champ Ciryl Gane at MMA Factory Paris. Just 10 days ago, Trabelsi remained unbeaten when he finished Azamat Nuftillaev in the second round to claim the vacant ARES FC heavyweight title.

Porter, 37, will look to bounce back from a first-round submission loss to Jailton Almeida in May. The defeat snapped a three-fight winning streak of victories over Josh Parisian, Chase Sheman and Alan Baudot.

With the change, the UFC 280 lineup includes:

  • Champion Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev – for lightweight title
  • Champion Aljamain Sterling vs. T.J. Dillashaw
  • Sean O’Malley vs. Petr Yan
  • Sean Brady vs. Belal Muhammad
  • Beneil Dariush vs. Mateusz Gamrot
  • Amanda Lemos vs. Marina Rodriguez
  • Lucas Almeida vs. Zubaira Tukhugov
  • Katlyn Chookagian vs. Manon Fiorot
  • Caio Borralho vs. Makhmud Muradov
  • Malcolm Gordon vs. Muhammad Mokaev
  • Nikita Krylov vs. Volkan Oezdemir
  • Abubakar Nurmagomedov vs. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev
  • A.J. Dobson vs. Armen Petrosyan
  • Lina Lansberg vs. Karol Rosa
  • Parker Porter vs. Slim Trabelsi

UFC 280 adds Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Parker Porter heavyweight bout

Heavyweights are headed to Abu Dhabi.

[autotag]Hamdy Abdelwahab[/autotag] made his UFC debut less than three weeks ago and he already has his second promotional bout.

At UFC 280, Abdelwahab (6-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) will return to take on New England’s [autotag]Parker Porter[/autotag] (13-7 MMA, 3-2 UFC) in a heavyweight bout. The event takes place Oct. 22 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Two people with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie of the booking but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Abdelwahab, 29, took a short-notice fight against Don’Tale Mayes at UFC 277. After three rounds of back-and-forth, Abdelwahab won a split decision. It was the first time in his professional career he went the distance.

Porter, 37, will look to bounce back from a first-round submission loss to Jailton Almeida in May. The defeat snapped a three-fight winning streak that included victories over Josh Parisian, Chase Sheman, and Alan Baudot.

With the addition, the UFC 280 lineup includes:

  • Champion Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev – for lightweight title
  • Champion Aljamain Sterling vs. T.J. Dillashaw
  • Sean O’Malley vs. Petr Yan
  • Sean Brady vs. Belal Muhammad
  • Beneil Dariush vs. Mateusz Gamrot
  • Amanda Lemos vs. Marina Rodriguez
  • Lucas Almeida vs. Zubaira Tukhugov
  • Katlyn Chookagian vs. Manon Fiorot
  • Caio Borralho vs. Makhmud Muradov
  • Malcolm Gordon vs. Muhammad Mokaev
  • Nikita Krylov vs. Volkan Oezdemir
  • Abubakar Nurmagomedov vs. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev
  • A.J. Dobson vs. Armen Petrosyan
  • Lina Lansberg vs. Karol Rosa
  • Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Parker Porter

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Hamdy Abdelwahab proud to be first Egyptian UFC winner: ‘I’ll be a big idol for a lot of kids’

Hamdy Abdelwahab hopes his successful octagon debut at UFC 277 has an impact on Egyptian MMA.

DALLAS – [autotag]Hamdy Abdelwahab[/autotag] hopes his successful octagon debut at UFC 277 has an impact on Egyptian MMA.

Abdelwahab (4-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Egypt’s first UFC fighter, defeated Don’Tale Mayes by split decision this past Saturday at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The heavyweight is happy to be an example for young kids in his home country and felt the love from his people after putting on a solid showing to snap Mayes’ winning streak.

“I feel great,” Abdelwahab told reporters at his UFC 277 post-fight news conference. “I’m representing 100 million people. You cannot imagine how many people they fly from Egypt to Dallas to watch the fight. It’s 5 in the morning right now in Egypt – people are still awake. They’re still watching the fights on the internet and they’re supporting me. That’s how I have to pay them back – to get them the win and make them proud of one of them becoming a UFC fighter and show them we can do it. We’re Arab – we can do it.

“Now people will start to know what MMA is. There’s one of them, one of their family representing them on the biggest stage in the world. I think I’ll be a big idol for a lot of kids, a lot of people supporting me, watching me tonight. I’m so happy to be doing this. I’m not just fighting for myself, I fight for a lot of people.”

Abdelwahab has had a busy schedule in 2022 with four fights already, but he said there would be no better way for him to cap off his big year than a fight at UFC 280, which takes place Oct. 22 in Abu Dhabi.

“I would love to fight in Abu Dhabi,” Abdelwahab said. “I have a very big Arab community now behind me. You have no idea how many people start texting me. I have no idea who these people are. But yes, I would love to. I promise. Just let me know. Now I have a big time to get ready. If I’m ready for that fight, I promise you I knock him out in the first round. First couple of seconds in the fight.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 277.

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UFC 277 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: 2022 total passes $5 million

Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 277 took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $313,500.

DALLAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 277 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $313,500.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC 277 took place at American Airlines Center. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ABC/ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.

The full UFC 277 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag]: $42,000
def. [autotag]Julianna Peña[/autotag]: $42,000

[autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag]: $32,000
def. [autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Alex Perez[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Magomed Ankalaev[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Anthony Smith[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Alex Morono[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Matthew Semelsberger[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Drew Dober[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Rafael Alves[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Hamdy Abdelwahab[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Don’Tale Mayes[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Drakkar Klose[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Rafa Garcia[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Michael Morales[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Adam Fugitt[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Joselyne Edwards[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Ji Yeon Kim[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Nicolae Negumereanu[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Ihor Potieria[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Orion Cosce[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Blood Diamond[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2022 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $5,253,000
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $11,420,500

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 277.

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Hamdy Abdelwahab def. Don’Tale Mayes at UFC 277: Best photos

Check out the best photos from Hamdy Abdelwahab’s split decision win over Don’Tale Mayes at UFC 277 in Dallas.

Check out the best photos from [autotag]Hamdy Abdelwahab[/autotag]’s split decision win over [autotag]Don’Tale Mayes[/autotag] at UFC 277 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Photos by Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports)

Photos: UFC 277 ceremonial weigh-ins and faceoffs

Check out these photos from the UFC 277 ceremonial weigh-ins in Dallas.

Check out these photos from the UFC 277 ceremonial weigh-ins which took place at American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Photos by Matthew Wells, MMA Junkie)

UFC 277 hit with multitude of withdrawals. Here’s where the card stands less than two weeks away.

Less than two weeks away, the UFC 277 prelims are falling apart, and the promotion continues to patch things up.

UFC 277 is less than two weeks away, and the promotion continues to work through numerous fighter injuries and visa-related withdrawals.

While luckily the main card remains intact, a handful of preliminary card fighter pullouts have resulted in new bouts and a couple of yet-to-be-filled openings.

The event takes place July 30 at American Airlines Center in Dallas with the main card streaming on pay-per-view after prelims on ESPN/ESPN+.

See below to check out the UFC 277 changes from the past week.