Proper funding, facilities required to develop local Mixed Martial Arts

UFC Fighter Ronnie ‘the Heat’ Lawrence posing with local Judo expert Bruce Fraser at the end of a training session.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) alumni Ronnie ‘the Heat’ Lawrence says improved funding and facilities are required if the embryonic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) scene is to develop locally and produce quality combatants.

The Tennessee native, who competes in the bantamweight division of the largest MMA promotion company, is currently on local shores on vacation.

He spoke to Stabroek News during a brief interview to discuss the emerging MMA scene, which is being spearheaded by the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF) under the stewardship of president Gavin Singh and senior instructor Bruce Fraser.