Ruel “Bagsik” Pañales of the Philippines takes on Moroccan fighter Ridouan Errami in the bantamweight division of UAE Warriors 71 on Saturday at Space42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, carrying with him the backing of the Philippine Embassy in the UAE.
The Masbate-born fighter, who trains out of DYIncredible Fighting and Fitness Center in Dasmariñas, Cavite under coach Rolando Dy, received a pre-fight courtesy call from Philippine Ambassador Alfonso A. Ver on May 8 — the day before the event. Ver commended Pañales for his dedication to the sport and expressed the Embassy’s support for his participation.
Pañales goes into the bout with a professional record of 7 wins and 3 losses, having competed across UAE Warriors, the Professional Fighters League, and the UFC’s Road to UFC tournament. He made his international debut in 2022 at UAE Warriors 30, where he stopped a Dagestani opponent in the second round. His nickname, “Bagsik,” is a Filipino word for fierce — one he earned long before he ever entered a cage.
UAE Warriors 71 is the second night of a back-to-back doubleheader at Space42 Arena, with 11 bouts on the card. The main event pits Armenian veteran Martun Mezhlumyan against undefeated Ukrainian Vladislav Rudnev for the vacant lightweight title. The event streams live on UFC Fight Pass.
For the Filipino community in the UAE, Pañales’ presence on the card adds a local rooting interest to what is already one of the bigger MMA nights in the region this year.
