Caribbean Mixed Martials Arts Council Chairman Jason Fraser has commended the developmental work of the Guyana Mixed Martials Arts Federation (GMMAF), which led to the association securing full membership status at the recently staged International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) congress.
At a press conference Tuesday at the Palm Court Sports Club, Fraser, who is also the President of the Pan American Zone, said that the GMMAF must be commended for its tireless efforts, which were ultimately rewarded by acquiring full accreditation to the world governing body, a feat that was achieved in less than four years and is a monumental achievement.
Guyana was unanimously voted in as one of the new 20 full members of the IMMAF following the staging of the entity’s congress during the World Amateur Championship in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.
Guyana received a 34-0 approval from the 37 eligible voters at the forum. The GMMAF was represented by Dr. Sawan Jagnarain at the forum which was hosted at the Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel.
Fraser said that the current GMMAF dispensation, under the leadership of Gavin Singh, is the fastest growing association in the region.
He added that the entity should focus its efforts on possibly hosting a Caribbean championships in 2024, which would provide the momentum and impetus for the sport and national development.
Fraser added that the international body is committed to providing the necessary coaches on a quarterly basis which will aid in the development of the discipline within the region.
He posited that the local association should prioritize the conception of a developmental plan as a vehicle to utilize and develop the local human resource.
He challenged the Government of Guyana and the corporate community to continue their support of the association, which, he said, will aid in the progression of the fastest growing sport in the region.
Meanwhile, GMMAF President Singh, praised the Caribbean body and the world governing entity for their continued assistance which led to the eventual acquisition of full membership.
He added that the association was currently in the process of formulating plans to stage local exhibition events to build on their recent international momentum.
He noted that local events will provide the requisite visibility for the discipline, while providing vital experience for practitioners ahead of international events that are currently on the association’s 2022 calendar.
Guyana’s maiden participation at the IMMAF Amateur World Championship in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, in the form of Carlos D’Anjou and Ijaz Cave.
D’Anjou suffered an unfortunate first-round exit. D’Anjou, who is the most experienced and active Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) combatant locally, fell at his hurdle, losing to Ireland’s Adam McEnroe via a second-round Technical Knockout (TKO) in their Welterweight encounter.
Cave was eliminated in his debut at the Round of 16 stage. Given a bye in the first round, Cave was knocked out (KO) by Sweden’s Robin Enontekio in the first round of their Light Heavyweight Divisional clash.
