Africa Open is back in Brakpan
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) returns to South Africa and Brakpan in particular for the third iteration of its Africa Open Amateur MMA Championships.
Hosted by MMA South Africa (MMASA) the 2018 IMMAF Africa Open Championships is taking place at the Brakpan Indoor Sports Centre from May 24 to 26 as the nation versus nation tournament plays out over three days.
Mauritius, Australia, Bahrain, Tunisia, Democratic Republic of Congo and of course, South Africa the host country, will have fighters at the open.
Previous events have attracted national teams from as far as Sweden, India, Bahrain and Russia.
Free entry for athletes was used as a means to boost participation for the third Africa Open, as is the opportunity to gain points in the IMMAF World Amateur MMA Rankings as IMMAF’s tournament platform becomes increasingly competitive.
Live-streaming of the championships is a further attraction to competitors.
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Kerrith Brown, president of IMMAF, said: “The Africa Open enables athletes from Africa to experience international competition by bringing it to their doorstep.
“The IMMAF competition platform forms an important part of an MMA athlete’s development pathway and inability to travel far afield should not be a bar to access.
“With plans to stream the event, MMASA is this time also providing an international showcase for upcoming Africa talent.
“For international participants, not only does the Africa Open create another opportunity to compete and to medal, but also the chance to experience South Africa hospitality and some of the incredible tourist attractions that the country has to offer.
“The Africa Open offers those from other continents a once in a lifetime experience.”
IMMAF’s director to Africa, shihan Raymond Phillips (Brakpan resident and respected instructor) is very pleased with the massive progress that IMMAF has made over the past four years in Africa and is looking forward to see the athletes competing for gold.
This is the second IMMAF event this year.
The European Open is in June.
Spectators are encouraged to come out in numbers at the centre with the finals to be held from noon on May 26.
Any queries on the competition, contact Shihan Raymond on 0837012154 or email to rayforce@xkt.co.za
Visit www.immaf.org for more information.
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