International MMA brought to Brakpan again
South Africa did incredibly well and their performances pushed the country up the international rankings in MMA to third spot.
South Africa recently hosted the second International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) All Africa Open MMA Championship at the Brakpan Indoor Sports Centre.
The appointed director to Africa and tournament director shihan Raymond Phillips said this event (held in Brakpan for a second time) was a great success and increased from three participant countries last year to five this year.
Fighters from the Kingdom of Bahrain, Russia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), India and the host nation, South Africa, battled it out in Brakpan.
The competition was held over two days.
Phillips said organising international events was way more intense than organising local national competitions.
“The international federation is absolutely serious about safety and health.
“If any fighter is not cleared by the international Safe MMA foundation (a non-profit medical project dedicated to the safety of participants of MMA fighters), the fighter is not allowed to participate.
“Immaf is working towards becoming an olympic sport and we have to comply with all the necessary rules and regulations.
“Fighters are also randomly tested by Drugs in Sport and if found positive, could face up to four years’ suspension.
“We are working hard to educate competitors to abide by these rules and safety.
“In the media we sometimes get the wrong impression of fighters and in the amateur circle we do not tolerate disrespect towards anyone, including your opponent.
“The martial arts I grew up with taught me character, integrity, honour and respect.
“I am happy to say Immaf is a firm believer in this code and I am honoured to be part of this federation,” added Phillips.
“The beauty of amateur fighters is that they are there to fight not for money, but for honour and pride and to represent their countries and bring back medals.
“The fights were intense and these athletes showed brilliant skills.
“Some of the spectators mentioned afterwards that the fights were of an extremely high standard and entertaining.”
South Africa did incredibly well and their performances pushed the country up the international rankings in MMA to third spot.
Bulgaria is in second position and Sweden holds first position.
Phillips is excited about the future of African MMA because not only did South Africa get three gold medals, but the DRC also claimed a gold medal at the open.
“Africa is the continent to look out for.
“We have extremely talented athletes here. I believe many champions will follow if there is complete dedication,” said Phillips.
The South African team is preparing for the World Championships to be held in November, in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Also read:
Brakpan is a hotbed of African MMA
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