The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF) has officially selected a six-member roster for the impending Pan American Championships in Bogota, Colombia from August 7th-14th.
This was confirmed yesterday during a brief press conference at the Palm Court Sports Bar, Main Street. The team comprises Captain Corwin D’Anjou [welterweight], Carl Ramsay [light heavyweight], Christopher James [heavyweight], Ijaz Cave [middleweight], Shenese Bobb [lightweight], and Anevia Frank [bantamweight].
Gavin Singh, President of the GMMAF, said, “To ensure that they are well-prepared for the grueling competition, each member has undergone rigorous training under the direction of experienced coaches and Cross Fit at Exodus Gym, which is owned and operated by Paul Meusa. The squad is getting ready for the task with the assistance of Technical Director Roland Fanfair and renowned coach Troy Bobb. In order to protect the health of the athletes, the GYMMAF has engaged the assistance of Maria Roberts-Perreira, and Dr. Sawan Jagnarain, who will give essential medical and advising support.”
According to Singh, “Due to the fact that there will be eight competitors participating in each weight category at the Pan-American Championship, the competition is sure to be tough. In the past, Guyana has had some success, as shown by the fact that they brought home two silver medals from the most recent competition held in Mexico. The squad has a positive outlook on their performance for this season, although being aware of the increased amount of opposition they will face.”
“The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF) is an organization that is committed to developing and fostering local talent in the sport of mixed martial arts. The federation would like to express its most sincere appreciation to all of the sponsors, supporters, and stakeholders who have contributed to the success of this project. They have come together with the same goal of boosting the status of the sport across the nation and instilling a sense of national pride. As the squad prepares to travel on this perilous voyage to Bogotá, the whole country should come together to support them. The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF) wishes its competitors the best of success and is convinced they will make Guyana proud”, he further said.
Meanwhile, the private entity Fight Central was appointed as the official promotional organization by the GMMAF. Fight Central executive member Rebecca Ganesh said, “Fight Central is happy to be part of these games, from the inception of MMA in Guyana, we were the pioneers that brought Guyana this sport. We are proud to support the last trajectory of the Federation and will continue to support the admin body especially when it has to do with fighter improvement. Fight Central is supported by its sister companies, WRSI [W. Rambaran Services Incorporated], and Sublime Security Services.”
She further stated that as a female-owned establishment, the entity believes in women empowerment and will continue in that manner.
Also, GMMAF boss Singh revealed the entity will now possess the sanctioning rights for the staging of local events, noting that the agreement creates the avenue for local combatants to have the necessary exposure.
On the other hand, Pan American Mixed Martial Arts President Jason Fraser stated that this decision by the local federation will allow the competing athletes to have their fights accredited on the international stage. He further stated that while other promotions are also eligible to acquire the sanctioning rights and status, Fight Central presently will be the official promotion to stage events under the IMMAF banner.
