2016 World Championships: Team Canada in Focus

Picture: Team Canada. 2015 IMMAF World Championships

Federation: Canadian Combat Alliance Number of competitors: 9

After qualifying at the Canadian national finals in May, two of Team Canada’s successful 2015 medallists return to the United States for July’s IMMAF tournament, with Bantamweight Bronze medallist Sambath Kuhn and 170lb Silver winner Alexander Martinez back in the fold.

A solid sign that new gifted amateur fighters are being developed in Canada, newcomers Jarrett Vornbrock (125lbs) and John Nguyen (155lbs) defeated two members of the 2015 Canadian team that travelled to Las Vegas, beating Jessie Atwell and Dylan Lielke for their spots on the 2016 roster.

For Vornbrock, it is his wrestling that has been the major key to his success on the Canadian amateur scene. His ability to grind out fights without expending too much energy has been a key component of his winning formula. Also, regardless of being a Lightweight competitor, Nguyen excels in strength and his capable finishing power is something which could make him a dark horse in one of IMMAF’s most competitive divisions.

Another of Canada’s top amateur athletes, Kyle Francotti has overcome major adversity to book his place at the #2016IMMAFWorlds. Just seven months ago Grand Prairie’s Francotti had a life threatening brain tumour removed. Overcoming that in itself is a major achievement for the Heavyweight who will now compete during UFC International Fight Week™ – MMA’s premier spectacle – as he aims to realise the ultimate IMMAF comeback story for Team Canada.

The Canadians are no strangers to success at the IMMAF World Championships, with two Gold medals won by Jamie Herrington (145lbs) and Saeid Mirzaei (205lbs) at last year’s competition. With a proven track record, the Canadians will once again look to propel themselves up the medals table.