By IMMAF.org lead writer, Jorden Curran The journey of Lebanon’s top amateur mixed martial artist saw Imad Hoayek (pictured above) win his first international IMMAF gold medal this year at the Asian Open Championships in Singapore. As the most experienced athlete to represent Lebanon on the international stage, the Tristar Lebanon product has compiled a 10-3 amateur record. Hoayek was among the athletes making history at the inaugural Las Vegas IMMAF World Championships in 2014 and his since claimed two bronze medals, first as a middleweight competitor at the 2015 World Championships and followed by bronze at light-heavyweight at the 2017 European Open in Sofia, Bulgaria. At the Asian Open in June, Hoayek’s series of three back-to-back victories culminated in a thrilling split-decision triumph over Sweden’s reigning European Open champion Anton Turkalj. Hoayek is the first Lebanese fighter to earn gold since Charbel Diab charged his way to winning the World Championships super-heavyweight bracket in 2016. In the video below, the 22-year-old discusses his Asian Open triumph, how it feels to represent his country and looks forward to pursuing the 2017 World Championships podium, set for Bahrain taking place from November 12 – 19 at the Khalifa Sports City Arena. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0M1jS4mr0g&feature=youtu.be]]>
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