What if the original face of amateur MMA took on today’s most talked about amateur champion, who would have taken victory in this battle of IMMAF bantamweight prodigies?
Jose Torres (USA)
In his early 20’s Jose Torres earned gold at the inaugural IMMAF World Championships in Las Vegas 2014 and retained the title in 2015 to become the first ever two-time IMMAF world champion. After his two years competing on the IMMAF platform Torres was the world’s most recognised amateur prospect and the top talent within Team USA at a time when the nation was the leading force of the World Championships. Torres blazed a trail for the prominence of amateur mixed martial artists on the IMMAF platform and was defeated only once (on his amateur debut). His 25-1 amateur record was unprecedented in 2016 and in 2019 we are seeing a number of current greats follow that same level of dedication. Torres was often credited and recognised by mainstream MMA media as the world’s most decorated amateur MMA fighter. After being the first 0-0 professional to sign with Titan FC, he would go on to win the promotion’s bantamweight and flyweight titles before completing a victorious UFC debut in 2018.
Muhammad Mokaev (UK/England)
Despite being yet to battle the IMMAF senior ranks, Muhammad Mokaev is undoubtedly the most talked about amateur MMA standout of today. While his back-to-back IMMAF world titles and European Open triumph have come at the junior level (under 21’s), he has continuously bested far older rivals on the UK circuit and at 21-0 is among the most dominant and most recognised talents with a reputation and following that overshadows many of his professional counterparts. At just 19 years of age this Team GB wrestling veteran and Olympic hopeful has truly redefined what it means to be a champion of amateur MMA.
Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
By IMMAF.org lead writer: Jorden Curran
