The first of the day’s semi-finals in the knockout amateur MMA tournament, organised by the Brave Combat Federation in association with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, saw Mexico take on Ireland at the Khalifa Sports City.

The semi-final created some tension in the crowd as Mexico won the opening bout, but Ireland’s Kerry Ann Vernon scored her nation's first win of the bout with a brilliant highlight-reel technical knockout.

Mexico led 3-1 before Lewis Byrne and Jordan Furey, gave Ireland wins that levelled the contest.

Conor McCarthy put Ireland in front at 4-3 after a unanimous points win against his opponent Cruz Emmanuel Garcia Gonzalez.

Later on, Denis Perry confirmed Ireland’s spot in the final with a first round Americana finish, which is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu tactic that creates an uncomfortable pressure to the opponent’s shoulder and elbow by putting their arms in an “L” shape.

In the second semi-final between Bahrain and Kazakhstan the hosts took the early lead through two consecutive victories achieved by the two Brazilians, Aieza Ramos Bertozo and Sabrina De Sousa, both representing Bahrain.

Kazakhstan managed to record two wins to level the contest at 2-2.

Ramazan Gitinov finished his opponent in the second round through a beautiful rear-naked choke increasing his winning streak to 21, while his ally Sultan Omarov also sealed a victory taking the score to 4-2.

Despite a tough fight between Bahrain’s Gadzhi Gadzhiev and Kazakhstan’s Alik Domnich, Gadzhiev claimed victory by split decision to secure victory in the tie for Bahrain 5-3.

The next fights are due to take place on Saturday (March 12), with Ireland up against Bahrain in the final and Kazakhstan facing Mexico in the bronze medal match.

The winner will take home $100,000 (£76,000/€91,000) and the MMA Super Cup, while the second placed team will get $75,000 (£57,000/€68,000).

Third place will receive the bronze medal and $50,000 (£38,000/€45,500).