BAMMA 22 featherweight title defence against Brendan Loughnane this weekend in Dublin, France’s Tom Duquesnoy praised the work of French MMA veterans and leaders involved in the battle to legalize Mixed Martial Arts competition in their country. The 22-year-old professional said that he regularly follows the developments of MMA in France and feels confident that his promotion, BAMMA, will one day hold an event in Paris. “BAMMA will of course welcome a “Bamma Paris” edition,” he stated. “This will take a lot of time and I’m afraid it will be BAMMA 135 *laughs*. I keep following the evolution of MMA in France as close as possible.” France achieved a strong position in IMMAF’s official world amateur rankings following their historic launch in August. France are currently ranked no.5 in the world as a nation with French flyweight and 2015 IMMAF World Championship gold medallist, Iurie Bejenari, placed as the no.1 athlete at 125lbs. Silver medallist Lucie Bertaud also achieved success at the 2015 IMMAF Championships and is ranked no.2 in the Women’s bantamweight category. In an interview with IMMAF Bejenari discussed how the impressive rank of French amateur fighters could help towards legalizing the sport. Click HERE form more. Duquesnoy finds optimism in the large number of athletes currently training in France. He praised the success of the French IMMAF standouts and all who are involved in what he hopes will be the imminent legalization of MMA in France. “Veterans and leaders are involved in this development and I hope that the legalization will be imminent. I am glad that hard work pays, they have the results they deserve. There is a large pool of MMA fighters in France.” BAMMA 22 will be shadow sanctioned by the Irish Amateur Pankration Association (IAPA) with support from IMMAF. The event will also be in conjunction with SafeMMA Ireland. Click HERE to view the IMMAF World Amateur Rankings. [/spb_text_block]]]>
