Indian coach wins gold at IBJJF, fighters put up a good show at IMMAF World Amateur MMA Championships

Team India coach Alan Fenandes posing with his medal

Indian coach Alan “The Bull” Fenandes grabbed a gold in IBJJF Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships for India in Master 2 category of the male [ purple ] heavyweight division at UFC Fan Expo held at Las Vegas on 10th of July 2015. Las Vegas boasts of being the fight capital of the world and Alan agrees that here was enough competition for him. Competing amongst top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms across the world, Alan - being the first Indian to win at IBJJF- says “ there’s no feeling like winning.”

In the meantime, the fighters who were a part of All India Mixed Martial Arts Association (AIMMAA) posed a tough stance at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Amateur MMA Championships. Being a part of UFC Fight Week was already a big deal for them as this was the first time ever and all the four fighters rumbling and tumbling with blows and possible takedowns, gave their best.

India was successful at winning the first two rounds before losing to Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Canada , Ireland and USA in various weight divisions.

One of the top competitors representing India was national judo player and judo black belt Kantharaj Agasa. In a tough back and forth battle, Kanthraj lost to an American opponent in the pre-quarter finals.

Watch Kanthraj in action here:

India not only made its debut inside but also outside the cage. Present were Indian MMA officials like Samuel Lalrozama and Prasad Gaitonde to officiate the IMMAF World MMA Championships. Samuel referred at some of the top bouts of the event and Prasad Gaitonde featured as an MMA judge.

Another great achievement for India was the nomination of Founder and National Director of AIMMAA Daniel Isaac to be a new board member of the IMMAF.

At a press meet on returning to India Daniel Isaac said “It was a historic event for all of the Indian MMA community. Team India received intimations for the World Championships just two months prior to the event date which caused many last minute issues. Still no excuses for this one , we will be back at the 2016 Worlds with a better-prepared team. Our officials and athletes have returned to India rich with experience.”

Below is a picture from team India’s successful sojourn.

Waiting for more to come at the professional levels...Way to go India!