Jesse Arnett is gearing up to face Ali Alqaisi in the headline matchup at UAE Warriors 33 this Saturday as he looks to retain his featherweight championship.
Arnett (20-8) and Alqaisi (12-6) clashed back in July at UAE Warriors 30 where the Canadian competitor secured a second-round TKO to capture the title. Unfortunately, the contest ended via doctor stoppage, prompting Arnett to immediately approach Alqaisi and his coaching staff demanding an instant rematch.
With the showdown finally underway, the 38-year-old from Calgary, Alta. is calling this bout the most significant fight of his professional journey.
"It was a severe cut—the physician and referee made the right call protecting him. Had it continued, the damage could've been much worse, but no competitor should lose a championship to a medical stoppage," Arnett shared during a phone interview with MMA Empire.
"The very first person I spoke to after the bell was Alqaisi and his corner. I told them to organize a rematch immediately. This represents the biggest stage of my career. Is he the hardest opponent I've faced? Not necessarily. The most technically gifted? Also not quite. But anything goes in a cage. He fights with heart, and I genuinely respect his warrior mentality. We've built something special as rivals, and I haven't felt this fired up for a fight in ages."
Beyond viewing this as his personal pinnacle fight, Arnett considers it the most significant bout in UAE Warriors' entire history.
"This matchup has gone viral—we're trending number one across Abu Dhabi. The biggest rematch and possibly the biggest fight the organization has ever hosted. The leadership of this country has put real money behind it," Arnett explained.
"Everyone in town is buzzing about it. I stroll through my hotel and people keep calling me champion. There's a real energy around here."
In the rubber match, Arnett feels confident in his wrestling advantage, though he acknowledges that with proper tactical changes he could also dominate Alqaisi standing up. He projects a finish in either the third or fourth round while preserving his belt.
"I expect him to come forward aggressively, but I'm going to exercise patience. I can picture the same scenario unfolding—that cut opens up again," Arnett noted.
"I can drag him to the mat, and I suspect he'll try to bounce back too fast, leaving himself open to submissions. Honestly though, I see myself TKOing him in round three or four. I'll still hold the UAE Warriors world featherweight title."
Should Arnett win on Saturday, his intention is to step back into the cage in early 2023 to defend his featherweight belt once more.
"I'd be thrilled to close out my career within UAE Warriors. At my age, I'm taking things one bout at a time, but I'd love to keep defending that strap early next year," Arnett wrapped up.
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