Zayed Alkatheeri shares his thoughts on being a young idol prior to the AJP UAE Nationals

July 4, 2023

Expecting a jam-packed Mubadala Arena, the AJP Tour UAE National Championship promises competitors and fans an intense weekend, filled with great battles in the pursuit of those precious points for the organization's ranking. Scheduled to take place between July 7th and 9th, the tournament will feature some big names on its roster of athletes, with one such name being Zayed Alkatheeri, the Emirati forged as a black belt in the fires of Abu Dhabi.

At 23 years of age, the valiant Zayed is among the best rooster weights in the world. He made a name for himself as a colored belt but now, with his black belt tied across his waist, the Commando Group athlete places among the top 15 of the AJP's global ranking and sees the UAE National as a chance to launch himself even higher, gunning for the very top of the leaderboards.

To better understand Zayed's evolution, who until recently could only dream of living as a top athlete in Jiu-Jitsu, we spoke with the rising star.

Inspired by Rubens Charles Cobrinha and under the tutelage of Ribamar Santiago, Zayed takes it upon himself to remain steady, trained, and capable to fight in the biggest tournaments in the world, not only fully embracing the responsibility of inspiring a new generation of UAE competitors but aiming to be an example for all young athletes in Asia.

Check out the interview below and get a glimpse of Zayed's mind as he fights to reach new heights with his Jiu-Jitsu!

AJPTour.com: Undefeated since the 2022 World Pro, and with titles in both ADGS London and ADGS Abu Dhabi, you’re coming in hot for the UAE National. How does it feel to be the favorite for the title even before stepping onto the mat?

Zayed Alkatheeri: Fighting at the highest level will always be tough. To succeed you need to work hard, consistently, and smartly. My first year as a black belt was a good one and I believe I have enough skills to reach the top. I think the real challenge, the thing that puts pressure on me and all the other competitors out there, is having the resources to remain focused on your career as an athlete.

With a lot of points at stake, the UAE National could put you back in the run for the top spot in the global rankings. Does this possibility push you to try even harder?

Yes, that’s my motivation. Through my good results, I became a reference and inspired new generations not only in the UAE but in the Middle East and Asia as well. I want to show everyone that, through intelligent and consistent work, it is possible to achieve excellence in Jiu-Jitsu.

The UAE National will be another chance for you to fight surrounded by family, friends, and even fans. How does it feel to fight back home, now as a famous athlete?

Fighting always generates good emotions, but the adrenaline of fighting in my home country is indescribable. Stepping onto the mats in front of all those people who are important to me increases the pressure a little, but I like that feeling.

You now stand as an inspiration for younger athletes, but not too long ago you were the one receiving inspiration from those that came before. What were your references in Jiu-Jitsu, and how did they shape the Zayed Alkatheeri that now steps onto the mats?

I studied several athletes, but Rubens Charles “Cobrinha” is, without a doubt, my greatest inspiration. He’s the athlete that I studied the most, even nowadays. But Jiu-Jitsu, being such an amazing martial art, has many references. The learning process is multi-disciplinary, with theoretical, technical, physical, and mental improvements requiring constant learning, especially when we seek to fight in high-end tournaments.

Given your current status in the sport, how do you shape your daily life, fights, and philosophy to drive future generations to pursue their goals through Jiu-Jitsu?

Jiu-Jitsu is a tool that enhances values and pushes you to fix your shortcomings. I want to continue in this process of self-improvement, both as an athlete and a human being. My routine remains the same as we begin this new season. I’m dedicated to reaching my best performance and hope that my second year as a black belt will be even better than my rookie year.