Phygital fighters face off at weigh-in and prepare for weekend battle

Seven out of eight clubs made weight on Friday night at the weigh-in for the Phygital Fighting presented by Kazzinc competition at the Qazaqstan Sports Complex in Astana, setting the stage for the opening bouts at the Games of the Future Astana 2026 tomorrow.

Only Ricardo Chavez of SWORD failed to meet the required weight and consequently received a four-point penalty. All the others are good to go for the opening bouts which begin on Saturday 8 August at 16:00 (local time).

The event closed with the clubs' traditional face-off – cameras flashing as rivals stood nose-to-nose for one final chance to size up the opposition before the real action gets underway.

"I'm hungry, I'm ready. It will be an amazing fight in the digital stage and in the arena. Let's go!" said Khalim Nazruloev of Archangel Michael.

Cagewinner Phygital Fighting's Mahmoud "Ruthless" Abdeen is equally eager to get started: "I love everything about this tournament. I'm well prepared and looking forward to my bouts tomorrow. I think it's going to be really entertaining for everyone."

This year’s field features a diverse lineup that includes defending Games of the Future champions Kuznya, alongside host city club Future Nomads. They are joined by Archangel Michael, RCC, Cagewinner Phygital Fighting, Nefor MMA, Soldiers of Fortune and SWORD.

Every match in Phygital Fighting presented by Kazzinc opens in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, where competitors battle to build an advantage in the digital stage before moving into the combat arena to decide the winner.

Victory in Phygital Fighting demands more than success in one discipline alone. Clubs must combine gaming skill with tactical awareness, composure under pressure – plus elite combat ability – to emerge victorious.

SWORD's Khama "The Death Star" Worthy, competing in Phygital Fighting for the first time, is embracing the unique challenge:: "I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Phygital Fighting is something different for me, so I'm excited for it.”

His words for his opponent: “Bring the heat—because I'm bringing the heat!"

Fans in Astana can watch the action live from the stands, while viewers around the world can follow every bout on Phygital+. Subscribers can access live coverage throughout Games of the Future 2026 powered by Samruk-Kazyna, alongside video-on-demand replays and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Games of the Future Astana 2026 is also being broadcast by leading media partners worldwide, including Fox Sports Mexico in Mexico, StarTimes across Africa, BIGG TV in France and worldwide, ESR TV in the USA and worldwide, Play TV in Brazil, Unbeaten in Australia, and QazSport in Kazakhstan.