Finnish MMA fighter Abdul Hussein signs with UFC, training partners cry together

Finnish mixed martial artist Abdul "Abba" Hussein, 29, has officially signed a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a dream come true since he first stepped into a gym. The announcement was made on Thursday, though Hussein had confirmed the agreement on Wednesday morning.

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It's crazy, I still don't understand it. I'm going to fight in the UFC. The league I've dreamed of since the day I first stepped into the Espoon Kehähaiden gym.

Hussein is set to make his debut on July 25 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, where he will face Muin Gafurov, 30, from Tajikistan. Gafurov has five fights under his belt in the UFC. Hussein described his upcoming opponent as experienced, noting his preference for striking with powerful punches and his wrestling capabilities, though Hussein stated he is ready regardless of the opponent.

The news of the UFC contract has been overwhelming for Hussein. "It's crazy, I still don't understand it. I'm going to fight in the UFC. The league I've dreamed of since the day I first stepped into the Espoon Kehähaiden gym," he said. He acknowledged that while he feels he deserves it and can compete, the reality still feels surreal after years of hard work, successes, and difficulties.

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While I feel that I deserve it and can compete there, it still feels unreal. Now it's finally happening. All the years, successes, difficulties. It all led to this. It still feels a bit like a dream.

Upon receiving the news, Hussein experienced a wave of emotion. He shared, "I called my family, and everyone was excited. When I spoke with my partner on Thursday, it was quite a tender moment. And with my training partners, we were on a group call, and they were actually crying a little there."

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I called my family, and everyone was excited. When I spoke with my partner on Thursday, it was quite a tender moment. And with my training partners, we were on a group call, and they were actually crying a little there.

Hussein also addressed rumors surrounding his participation in The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality series. He revealed that he did not ultimately join the TUF house despite initial reports. "There was something that happened, which I won't talk about yet," he explained, hinting at potential last-minute fight opportunities with short notice. He mentioned a non-disclosure agreement with a $5 million penalty, making it difficult to share details about the TUF experience and other events that transpired.

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There was something that happened, which I won't talk about yet.