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World MMA Association 2016 Asian Championship May 27-30 in South Korea

April 20, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (April 19, 2016)- The second annual World MMA Association (WMMAA) Asian Championship will be held May 27-30 at Hwasoon Culture and Sports Center in the Republic of South Korea.

The Asian MMA Championship will feature the top amateur MMA fighters in six different weight classes.

“This year’s Asian MMA Championship is a significant milestone for our association,” WMMAA president Vadim Finkelchtein said. “We strive to educate people from each country in which we hold regional championships. This time will be no different with more people learning the beauty of Mixed Martial Arts. We’re also organizing a judges and referee seminar within a certification process. We are looking forward to this event and hope to have as many Asian countries participating as possible.”

An international judges’ seminar will be held May 24-27, to certify and accredit judges. Only accredit judges will be allowed to work during the Asian MMA Championships. Preliminary and semifinal matches will be May 28, followed by the championship final matches.

The official weigh-ins and competition draws will be conductedMay 27,

The Asia Division Congress: Battle of the Nomads of the WMMAA Pro Asian Division will be held May 29.

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WMMAA President Vadim Finkelchtein Leading sport into future

March 15, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (March 14, 2016)- World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) President Vadim Finkelchtein, who founded the sanctioning organization in 2012, continues to lead WMMAA and the sport into a very bright future.

In four short years, WMMAA has alreadydeveloped into the strongest sanctioning body in the MMA world, hosting some of the sport’s most prestigious championships, as well as creating a highly respected culture in throughout sports worldwide.

Finkelchtein answered some pertinent questions below about WMMAA, its past and future, in addition to addressing the growth of mixed martial arts:

Can you tell us about you and your experience in Martial Arts?
VF: “I practiced judo when I was a kid. Back then there was no MMA whatsoever.”

How did you first enter the world of MMA?
VF: “In 1995, I was offered an opportunity to sponsor an MMA event. That’s when I learned about and fell in love with no holds barred, or free-fight, as it was called then. In 1997, I organized my own event in Russia. The rest is history.”

When did you first hear of MMA and what was your first impression? Did
you expect this sport to grow as much as it has today?
VF: “When I saw my first MMA event in 1995, I was amazed by its scale and how many people came to watch. People were genuinely interested. It was a whole other level and approach to a sports event. And I had seen a lot so I could compare empirically. I have always believed in MMA and expected it would eventually become the number one sport in the world, although back then no one would acknowledge MMA as a sport. Our
athletes and fight teams had a hard time. They were not even welcome in sambo gyms to train there. It was a long and a hard way to change MMA’s image that was deemed as human cock fighting or closely related to organized crime. Thanks to the fact I have never had any relations to crime, when this sport landed in my hands in late 90’s, it
helped greatly as we were able to turn the tide and after all these years to help governments to officially recognize MMA.”

What is your function and main activities within WMMAA?
VF: “I founded the World MMA Association in 2012 because I felt the time had come. MMA is the fastest growing sport and it’s time to start developing it at another level, giving it a new but essential dimension. Due to its popularity, thousands of fans of all ages started practicing in Mixed Martial Arts. At that moment, I had accumulated a vast network in multiple countries. I knew countless numbers of activists across the globe, so the start was destined to happen. From the get-go over 20 countries joined the WMMAA family. At this moment there are over 60 countries and counting.”

How would you assess WMMAA’s progress during its three year existence?
VF: “WMMAA is still in its infancy. Yes, we lack experience and financing, and MMA is a new kind of sport in many regions. But I have to say that we’re growing and the last World Championship in Czech Republic proved it. Over 40 national teams flew to Prague with over 200 athletes. The level of competition evolved so much. The organizational level was also high and we are thankful to our Czech MMA Federation for its great work. This World Championship proved there is demand for MMA around the world.”

What are the main goals of WMMAA and what are the main obstacles facing
the association?
VF: “The goals are to encourage as many countries as possible to join the WMMAA
family, to facilitate them in their struggle to get MMA recognized in their respective countries, helping them develop amateur MMA. There are countless obstacles but I firmly believe we’ll prevail.”

Were there any countries that stood out or surprised you?
VF: “China surprised me a lot. They joined WMMAA recently but since then they’ve shown solid results. Also, I enjoyed the performance of Latin American teams. It was their debut but one Colombian kid (Andrey Roa Ruiz Dumar) won a bronze medal and that was great.

Once again, Russia won the majority of the medals due to amateur MMA there developing with extremely rapid strides ever since early 2012. Fedor Emelianenko is the main locomotive and driving force in Russia. The selection process there is just unbelievable. You can’t imagine how many steps one needs to make in order to become the champion of the Russian Federation. The City Championship, Oblast Championship, regional and national championship. Each of these events consists of at least three fights, which means that a Russian champion will probably have had at least won 15 fights under his belt by the time of the European or World Championships. Only truly the best get to the top. Imagine this: around 7,000 athletes participated in the aforementioned events in 2015.”

What are the 2016 mid-term goals for WMMAA?
VF: “The normal routine is to hold the Asian Championship, Pan-American Championship, multiple referee and judge seminars and certifications, then prepare for the European and, consequently, the World Championship that will coincide with the annual Congress.”

Can you describe what 2015 was like for WMMAA?
VF: “I was amazed with the Asian Championship in Tajikistan with thousands and thousands of fans at the stacked football stadium. I enjoyed watching how many people turned their eyes to an amateur MMA event.”

What words of wisdom would you like to share with the members of WMMAA family?
VF: “I’d ask all WMMAA members to adhere to the agreements and decisions we reached collectively. It pertains to the set of rules, judging process, equipment, unified rules, and youth sports development.”

WMMAA keeps expanding, however, there are still multiple countries that are not yet WMMAA members. Why should any local Federation apply for WMMAA membership?
VF: “WMMAA is the strongest MMA organization there is. We plan to continuously hold regional and world championships and keep developing and evolving. Athletes’ ethical upbringing is also our target. We believe this sport can give so much to the world in various ways and we put a lot of effort into its development. We’ll gladly accept strong and worthy partners into our ranks.”

“We are truly an amateur association, although others may think we are not. The thing is it’s rather hard to verify the real records of MMA athletes. There is no official and ubiquitous database or instance that would provide 100-percentreliable and accurate information pertaining to the amount of fights under someone’s belt. Some amateur fights might be recorded as professional and professional fights as amateur, which was the reason for us canceling the previous rule of pro fight limitation for the time being, in order to develop a new system of fighters’ eligibility evaluation. We are working on that as we speak.”

People keep asking: why should we use SportID and SportData. Can you
explain why it is so essential?

VF: “We are an official and credible sport. Our association ought to be transparent. These databases show the data on athletes, their statistics and numbers. They show the quantitative as well as qualitative growth of mixed martial artists. They facilitate in overseeing the championships registered in SportData, helping to broadcast them. Furthermore, they contain so many functions that it would take me forever to discuss it. Just think of rankings, both individual and national, fighters’ profiles and so on. I need to remind everyone that, based on the Congress decision, the use of and
registration in these databases are mandatory for all our members.”

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Meet Tomas Yu WMMAA Vice President

February 26, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (February 25, 2016)- World MMA Association (WMMAA) vice president Tomas Yu, of Albuquerque (NM), who is also president of the WMMAA Pan-American division, took time from his busy schedule to address questions about his MMA background and experience, the sport of MMA and WWMMA in particular.

Can you tell us about you and your experience in Martial Arts?
TY: “I’m from the generation that grew up watching 3 Ninjas,Ninja Turtles… I wanted to be a Ninja! I grew up practicing Tae Kwon Do in Mexico, all the way to my black belt. At age 18, I ventured to practice Aikido and Judo in El Paso, Texas. I loved learning and I always wanted to be a rounded student, which is why I always looked for different arts to offset the weaknesses of the other.”

How did you first enter the world of MMA?
TY: “I was really looking for a place I could introduce my daughter to Martial Arts. I was looking for a more rounded self-defense Martial Art but not a fight club. I was introduced to the sport of MMA by a good friend and pioneer of the sport, Chris Luttrell. I was immediately bonded to the sport, since that is what at one point all Martial Artists are looking for.”

When did you first hear of MMA and what was your first impression? Did
you expect this sport to grow as much as it is now?
TY: “I have been privileged to see the evolution of MMA since 1993 as a teenager, all the way to now, becoming the first Pan-American Division President in the most important Regulation Organization for MMA in the world.”

What is your function and main activities within WMMAA?
TY “My biggest function is to introduce simple business principles to the sport of MMA and keeping Martial Art in MMA. What I mean by that is, the common denominator for every individual Marital Art are (Respect, Loyalty, Honor) and the mixture of martial arts should not represent what people perceive MMA is today. It should be a mixture of Respect, Loyalty and Honor. It should be a much more admired sport.”

How would you assess WMMAA’s progress during its three year existence?
TY: “Well, as an entrepreneur, I’m never satisfied, I always see ways to do things better but the reality is that, in the 25+ years MMA has been evolving and becoming not just a mixture of Martial Arts but also a true blue sport. Many people have tried to add value to the sport with no real success until this past two years with the WMMAA.”

What are the main goals of WMMAA and what are the main obstacles for the association?
TY: “This question has a long and complicated answer! The number one obstacle is pride, pride to admit that past performance or formulas to add value didn’t and won’t work. Pride to admit that working together will pave a new path. The number two obstacle, is UNDERSTANDING, understanding the big picture, like Micro and Macro economics really being two different worlds.

“The sport or art of MMA is much more than what we see on television. There is a much deeper impact to society than pay per view.”

How do you assess the third World Championship that took place in
Prague?

TY: “Moments like these are the ones that 3 years ago we would dream about. Well, last year that dream came true… over 40 countries participated in the beautiful city of Prague. I can’t explain the clash of emotions when you see and hear country after country being announced as they walk into the arena with their head held high as they carry their national flag.

We as an organization created Continental Presidents to be able to perform better follow through and also be more sensitive negotiating in different cultural environments. Our Europe and Czech Organizing Committee did a wonderful job.

Were there any countries that stood out or surprised you?
TY: “The fact they were there, that’s what really stands out! Some countries were participating for the first time. The level of mental competition for some countries was amazing. I can’t wait for the 2016 World Championships.”

What are the2016 mid-term goals for WMMAA PanAm?
TY: “The number one focus for PANAM is the roll-out of our new initiative on ‘Global MMA Officials and Licensing’ to standardize the sport worldwide, but also standardize the officials looking out for the sport.”

Can you describe what 2015 was like for WMMAA?
TY: “2015 was a year of foundations, recruiting, and preparing for the volumes of growth coming our way this year.”

What words of wisdom would you like to share with the members of WMMAA family?
TY: “I have always said that in every sport there is a business behind it, believing: ‘Till this far, MMA is like Capital… it goes where it is welcomed and it stays where it’s treated well'”

WMMAA keeps expanding. However there are still multiple countries that
are not yet WMMAA members. Why should any local Federation apply
for WMMAA membership?

TY: “We are the only organization of its kind. They would be able to get courses, national and international licenses but, most importantly, they can be part of history by allowing athletes in their respective countries to participate in our version of the Olympics of MMA.”

What would you tell them?

TY: “You are not alone. Here is where being part of a team with qualified individuals opening door. Power really does come in numbers.”

People keep asking: why should we use SportID and SportData. Can you
repeat why it is so essential?

TY: “I’ll keep it short. The number one reason – reason enough – is to avoid private owned companies from having biased control on who and how they upload information.”

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amateur mixed martial arts, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA

WMMAA: The future of MMA

February 16, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

Mexican Consulate in Albuquerque, Efren Leyba, and

WMMAA Pan-American president Tomas Yu (center)

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (February 15, 2016) – The second annual World MMA Association (WMMAA) Pan-American Congress, recently held at The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was a major success by all standards.

(L-R) — WMMAA Pan-American president Tomas Yu, MMA superstar

Jon Jones and legendary coach Chris Luttrell

“The Pan-American Movement”, as it was named, brought together sports, tourism, and education for a common goal with more than 12 participating countries.

The Congress provided a rare opportunity for the entire WMMAA Pan-American family to collaborate with special partnerships like The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and The Mexico Consulate in Albuquerque, University of New Mexico Global Education Department. PANAM Members, representatives of National Federations, Commissions, Association and the Organizing Committee of the WMMAA Pan-American Championship (OCPC), as well as athletes, coaches, media, sponsors and other stakeholders to meet and discuss issues of importance to the entire MMA movement.

In his closing speech to the Congress, Pan-American Division President Tomas Yu paid tribute to the excellent collaboration between Pan-American members.

“If you asked me to sprawl a couple of times, I would most definitely need some nitro coffee from Villa Myriam before I run out of breath, followed by the guaranteed use of Sore No More,” Yu said. “But when it comes to fighting for our youth, for our MMA global goals – for cleaner competition, for a healthier, more peaceful and more flourishing SPORT – I will sprawl-jab-cross-kick like a champion. I will sprint the steepest trail in the Sandia Mountains. I will never stop until we raise our hands by victory. I am counting and exhorting all involved in the MMA industry to join us. We must go for the KO.”

Over the course of the three-day Congress and 13-day PANAM Camp, there were special guest such as Legacy Champion Damacio Page, former UFC champion Jon “Bones” Jones and Carlos Condit. Participants heard from many respected speakers such as Health Committee Director Curt Chavez from eVOLV Strong, Hector Molina, Director of PANAM Regulatory Committee and Director of PANAM Medical Committee, Dr. Justo Pavia. The congress had interesting discussions on the following themes: athletes, 2016 Expo MMA, structure of the “WMMAA Pan-American Movement”, global officials’ license and database, new era of Digital Sports Marketing Revolution, and the 2016 Pan-American Championships.

Each day was divided in two general sessions with a half-day devoted to Rules and Regulations discussions for PANAM. The plenary sessions were followed by three simultaneous breakout sessions on respective sub-themes.

All sessions were live-cast over the internet to allow the general public to hear discussions as it happened.

Two sessions began with presentations from a panel of speakers. The moderators of each panel were then responsible for the ensuing discussion period, which gave participants an opportunity to voice their opinions on issues. The main points from each session were carefully recorded by“ENLACE” – the new exclusive WMMAA correspondent program – to inform the Editorial Committee of the discussions at the end of each day. The final document reflected the main ideas to come out of the proceedings in Albuquerque, as well as information collected through the virtual WMMAA Pan-American Congress, allowing the WMMAA Pan-American family and public to submit written contributions.

The mission of the 2016 WMMAA Pan-American Congress was to bring together sports, tourism and education for a united front and review the status of the WMMAA PANAM Movement in today’s evolving global society. Information was gathered and opinions sought regarding its future, in addition to providing structure, guidance, proposals and recommendations to all constituents and other stakeholders of the WMMAA PANAM Movement for its structured showcase and harmonious development within the global youth community.

The 2016 WMMAA Pan-American Congress was a great success and has left the WMMAA Pan-American Movement with a blueprint for the future. It is now time, once again, for the PANAM family to translate words into action: We are the Future of MMA!

Information:

www.facebook.com/WMMAA-Pan-American-Division-694183597342781/?fref=ts

www.facebook.com/Noticias-WMMAA-1011671952178470/

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WMMAA Pan-American Congress Feb. 5-8 in Albuquerque, New Mexico

January 23, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

WMMAA: The future of MMA

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (January 21, 2016) – The second annual World MMA Association (WMMAA) Pan-American Congress will be held February 5–7 at The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The Pan-Am Congress focuses on structure to continue building the introduction and rollout of the WMMAA worldwide officials licensing and database with more than 56 countries participating in the Licensing of MMA Officials. The Congress will touch on calendar roll out of the first bachelor’s and master’s degree program for Combat Sports Administration.

The PANAM Multi-Media Committee, led by Univision’s Carlos Fourzan, is working with Communications Director Edgar Camposand Fernando Cuscuela, Co-Founder of EveryPost, on the launch of “ENLACE,” the exclusive correspondent network program through communication faculties around the globe. The WMMAA PANAM has a very unique and progressive way by working with areas of government, sports, tourism, education and national defense.

“The Pan-American Congress is about the WMMAA movement,” WMMAA Pan-American Division President Tomas Yu explained. It is essentially an education movement and it is for this reason that we encourage efforts to promote the development of MMA at its grassroots. The common denominator of every single/standalone marital art is respect, honor and loyalty. The mixture of martial arts shouldn’t be any different.”

(L-R) – Ernie C’da Baca, Vice President of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, and Tomas Yu, President of the WMMAA Pan-American Division

The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce is located at 1309 4^th St. SW in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“We are honored and excited to be able to host the WMMAA and be part of history once again,” Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ernie C’ de Baca said. “New Mexico has been notorious for its fighting champions in different combat sports, but we also have many business champions! Here at The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, we are the camp behind that business champion.”

The Pan-American Congress is held in conjunction with the 2016 PANAM CAMP, where athletes from all of Latin America will be training in Albuquerque from Jan. 27–Feb. 8. Leading the MMA Camp is world known Coach Chris Luttrell (The Fight Authority) and conditioning by Curt Chavez (eVOLV Strong).

For additional information or to inquire about participating in this event, please contact Edgar Campos at press.panam@wmmaa.org.

The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce President Alex Romero

(L-R) – The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Alex Romero and WMMAA Pan-American Division President Tomas Yu

Information

www.facebook.com/WMMAA-Pan-American-Division-694183597342781/?fref=ts

ABOUT WMMAA: Its goal is to provide proper structure to guardrail the growth of MMA inside & outside the cage. A non-profit organization founded in 2012, WMMAA is on a mission to develop a standardized and regulated governing organization, including competition, training, officiating, testing and growth when necessary. Its not an easy process, but more than 50 countries have been granted WMMAA membership.

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Three World Champions Capture top honors in 2015 Russian MMA Super Cup

December 18, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

Living legend and WMMAA Honorary President Fedor Emelianenko served as color commentator for the broadcast of the recent 2015 Russian MMA Super Cup

CHELYABINSK, Russia (December 16, 2015) — Fresh off of their winning performances at last month’s 2015 World MMA Championships in Prague, a trio of individual winners from championship Team Russia also captured top honors at the recent 2015 Russian Super Cup, sanctioned by the World Mix Martial Arts Association (WMMAA), in Chelyabinsk, Russia

Bantamweight Bakhachali Bakhachaliev, middleweight Gamzat Khiramagomedov and light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev were the three World champions who were also victorious at the 2015 Russian MMA Super Cup.

Internationally renowned “Big” John McCarthy served as referee.

Below find a breakdown of official results from each weight class with video links to corresponding matches:

2015 Russian MMA Super Cup

Bantamweights Championship (-61.2 kg, 135 lbs.)

Bakhachali Bakhachaliev WDEC3 Armen Gulyan

Featherweight Championship (-65.8 kg, 145 lbs.)

Nabi Ashurlaev WDEC3 Mansur Vitaev

Lightweight Championship (-70.3 kg, 154 lbs.)

Artur Zainukov WDEC3 Kamil Magomedov

Welterweight Championship (-77.1 kg, 170 lbs.)

Alibeg Rasulov WDEC3 Ramazan Kuramagomedov

Middleweight Championship (-84 kg, 185 lbs.)

Gamzat Khiramagomedov WDEC3 Ramazan Gamzatov

Light Heavyweight Championship (-93 kg, 205 lbs.)

Magomed Ankalaev WTKO1 Nadyr Bulkadarov

Heavyweight Championship (+205 lbs.)

Amirkhan Isagadzhiev WTKO1 Georgy Sakaev

Information

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Record participation numbers in 2015 World MMA Championship Testimony to WMMAA’s rapid growth

December 10, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (December 9, 2015)- The rapid growth of the World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) in four relatively short years of existence was best demonstrated in last month’s 2015 World MMA Championship (WMMAA) in Prague, Czech Republic.

Nearly 200 athletes, representing 49 countries (see list below), participated in the record-setting 2015 World MMA Championship, which was dominated by team champion Russian Federation. Heavyweight Zaur Gadzhibabaev, who became the first two-time WMMAA champion, gave Azerbaijan the only gold medal not captured by the Russian Federation, which had the individual winners in six of seven weight classes.

“This year’s World Championship was the best event we have had so far,” WMMAA Director of Communications Mikhail Mazur said. “The highest number of countries, as well as participants, competed this year. WMMAA is still in its infancy but we keep evolving. You can clearly see that with each year. We have added new weight categories and accepted new countries as members of our non-profit organization. This is a difficult job but it’s extremely satisfying to see athletes fly in from all over the world to compete against the best amateur fighters who each went through a hard selection process in their home country.

“Prague was a great host and the WMMAA is extremely happy to have held the championship in this beautiful European capital. A lot more needs to be done next year. We expect more Asian and Pan-Am countries to enter the WMMAA family as our continental presidents put a lot of effort looking for the best National Federations to work as hard and as diligent as our current members do. We are only gearing up. I’m thrilled to see what the next year will bring us and the sports of amateur MMA in general.”

Afganistan Argentina Armenia Azerbaijan

Belarus Brazil Bulgaria China

Chinese Taipei Columbia Croatia Cuba

Czech Republic France FYR of Macedonia Georgia

Germany Greece Hungary India

Iran Italy Kazakhstan Republic of Korea

Kyrgyzstan Latvia Mexico Moldova

Monaco Morocco Netherlands Netherland Antilles

Nicaragua Nigeria Paraguay Romania

Russian Federation Serbia Singapore Slovakia

Spain Suriname Tajikistan Turkey

Turkmenistan Ukraine United States Uzbekistan

Venezuela

(L-R) Tajikistan MMA President Pulod Nazarov, WMMAA Honorary President Fedor Emellianenko, WMMAA President Vadim Finkelchtein and Anatoly Kim, President of the Kazakhstan MMA Federation

Information

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Russian fighters dominate 2015 World MMA Championships

December 9, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

PRAGUE, Czech Republic (December 7, 2015) — Russian fighters dominated the recent 2015 World MMA Championships (WMMAA), winning gold medals in six of seven divisions to easily capture the team title, in Prague, Czech Republic.

On the strength of Zaur Gadzhibabaev’s victory in the heavyweight competition, Azerbaijan won a silver medal in terms of quality medals won in team competition. Gadzhibabaev became the first two-time WMMAA champion. In quantity of medals earned, Kazakhstan won five silver and one bronze medal, second only to Russia with seven, including six golds and one bronze.

In other team scoring, Latvia and Tajikistan both won silver medals; China, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia took home two bronze medals apiece; Greece, Colombia, Czech Republic and Ukraine all earned one bronze medal.

Here’s a breakdown of results from each weight class:

BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION: -61.2 kg (135 lbs.)

1. Bakhachali Bakhachaliev (Russia)

2. Sergey Morozov (Kazakhstan)

3. Andrey Roa Ruiz Dumar (Colombia)

3. Yuan Liu Ping (China)

FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION: -65.8 kg (145 lbs.)

1. Magomed Yunusilau (Russia)

2. Zhumageldi Zhalgassuly (Kazakhstan)

3. Archil Taziashvili (Georgia)

3. Elnur Veliev (Ukraine)

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION: -70.3 kg (154 lbs.)

1. Gadzhi Rabadanov (Russia)

2. Loik Radzhabov (Tajikistan)

3. Rashid Dagaev (Kazakhstan)

3. Changxin Fu (China)

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION: -77.1 kg (170 lbs.)

1. Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov (Russia)

2. Shavkat Rakhmonov (Kazakhstan)

3. Denis Maher (Belarus)

3. Beknazar Kainazar uulu (Kyrgyzstan)

MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION: -84 kg (185 lbs.)

1. Gamzat Khiramagomedov (Russia)

2. Dauren Ermekov (Kazakhstan)

3. Daniyar Abdibaev (Kyrgyzstan)

3. Giorgi Lobjanidze (Georgia)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION: -93 kg (205 lbs.)

1. Magomed Ankalaev (Russia)

2. Khasan Mezhiev (Latvia)

3. Michal Kotalik (Czech Republic)

3. Yulian Borisov (Belarus)

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION: +93 kg (+205 lbs.)

1. Zaur Gadzhibabaev (Azerbaijan)

2. Mokhmad Sulimanov (Kazakhstan)

3. Rizvan Kuniev (Russia)

3. Angelos Giatras (Greece)

Go here to watch video of the 2015 WMMAA Championships:

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheWMMAA/videos

CHAMPIONS’ QUOTES OF NOTE

2015 WMMAA Bantamweight Champion Bakhachali Bakhachali:

“It was a wonderful experience. You know it was a long road. I’m so glad it’s over and I was successful in reaching all the goals I had set. The final fight was very hard, my opponent was a serious test for me. He’s physically strong and determined. But thanks God I got the victory.

“The next step is of course the Russian MMA SuperCup. I hope God will help me win it.

I’d like to say thank you to my coaches: Rasul Magomed-Aliev, Abdulla Gaidarbekov. Thanks to Shamil Alibatyrov who was cornering me throughout the whole championship and helped me a lot.”

2015 WMMAA Featherweight Champion Magomed Yunusilau:

“Extreme happiness. First of all, I was not sure I would be able to participate because of injuries, but my coaches, friends and family helped me gather physically and mentally. I flew to Prague and got the best possible result.

“I had four fights. The first one (1/8) went the distance. My opponent, from Colombia, was really determined, he would not give up. It was a hard-fought battle. In my other fights I finished all three opponents.

“First, I need to heal my injuries; it’s revalidation time. I’ll take a break for the first post-World Championship week and then I’ll focus on my health. I have issues with my back and one knee. And then, God bless, I’ll get back in business within 2-3 months. I intend to transfer to professional MMA competition. We have great coaches and the team that are highly qualified and able to facilitate in my transition. I’m sure I’ll be OK.”

2015 WMMAA Lightweight Champion Gadzhi Rabadanov:

“I’m extremely happy. It’s such a nice feeling to make your friends and family happy. I’m really grateful for all support I got from them.

“I had four fights in total and I finished all of my opponents. I can’t say which one was harder, everyone in front of me was quite good in his own right.

“If I look back, I’ve had five full training camps this year. Now, it’s time for a break from competition. I need to heal my wounds, rest and then return as a different fighter. There is enough room for improvement. I know I had one more fight planned at the Russian MMA SuperCup in December but I’ll have to cancel it because of my knee injury. Moreover it’s rather hard to make weight twice within a 10-day frame. It would be to the detriment of my health under these circumstances. Sorry, everyone who was hoping to watch me fight in Chelyabinsk (Russia –wmmaa.org) come December 5.”

2015 WMMAA Welterweight Champion Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov:

“I can’t describe my feelings right now. It has been a long road. Two years ago, me and my brother, (Gamzat Khiramagomedov – wmmaa.org) set our sights on the World Championship. And here we are – both champions. I’m so happy.

“I really need to repair my body before planning anything else. My hand and foot are broken. One ligament is torn on my left leg. I need time to heal and then we’ll see.”

2015 WMMAA Middleweight Champion Gamzat Khiramagomedov:

“This experience is the best possible. After all work that I had done it’s time to catch a breath for a little while. Still, I’m not going to relax on my laurels. I have a fight scheduled at the SuperCup against Gamazan Gamzatov. After that fight I’ll be able to rest normally.

“At the World Championship I had four bouts. Assessing my opponents, I can say they were all good fighters. The hardest battle I had was against a warrior from Georgia. He would not give up; extremely powerful and good wrestler. I injured my left arm that’s why I couldn’t show my best in the finals. However, I’m so happy I made my people smile, especially my brother, Gadzhimurad, who puts a lot of effort into helping me. He’s always happier than me when I win. He’s my biggest fan.”

2015 WMMA Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev:

“My feelings are the best possible. Gold in this amateur MMA World Championship had been my target for a long time.

“I had five fights and the final one was the most difficult for me. I felt huge responsibility because it was up to me whether or not the Russian flag would be flying that high. Thank God, I was able to achieve that.

“I plan to take part in the Russian MMA SuperCup. After that, I’ll take a rest that, I believe, I’ll have fully deserved.”

2015 WMMA Heavyweight Champion Zaur Gadzhibabaev:

“A lot was at stake in the finals since my opponent, Mokhmad Sulimanov, wanted to avenge his loss from last year’s WMMAA World Championship. I’m glad I prevailed again.

“I’m honored to be the first two-time WMMAA champion. The competitors in my division were outstanding this year. I trained very hard to give my best and I’m very happy with my performances during the tournament.”

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