Pictured above: David Fogarty – 2016 IMMAF World Championships Flyweight Silver medallist IMMAF officially announced on August 23 that registration is open for the 2016 IMMAF European Open Championships. The Amateur MMA tournament will span five days from November 22 to 26 in the Czech Republic, at the Arena of Sparta in Prague, hosted by the Czech Mixed Martial Arts Association (MMAA). 
As IMMAF member nations now move to select their national team representatives, the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association (IMMAA) will see its own national team trials contested on September 3. Athletes from across Ireland will compete as 11 regional gyms come together to decide the Irish Team Trials at the Trinity Sports and Leisure Club in Dublin. The IMMAA has completed two administrative milestones in its sanctioning of the national team trials. The IMMAA’s commitment to medical safety will see pre-event medical clearance conducted through Safe MMA, in addition to the event itself being structured through the online sports management tool My Next Match. Team Ireland secured a total of 5 medals at the inaugural European Open Championships in 2015, contested in Walsall, England. Light-Heavyweight competitor Ben Forsyth claimed Gold in the 205lb division, while David Fogarty (125lbs), Thomas Martin (155lbs), Lee Hammond (155lbs), Ryan Spillane (265lbs) each earned Bronze, respectively. The Irish national team made its biggest impact to date at the 2016 IMMAF World Championships in Las Vegas, USA. Finishing third in the overall medal table, Ireland secured six podium finishes, more than any other country. Team Ireland 2016 World Championship medallists: Gold: Matthew Sheehan (205lbs) Silver: David Fogarty (125lbs), Nathan Kelly(145lbs) Bronze: Hughie Orourke (135lbs), Cian Cowley (170lbs), Eoghan Drumgoole (145lbs) For more information of the September 3 Irish Championships, visit MyNextMatch.com.]]>
