By Ross Patterson
The English Mixed Martial Arts Association has announced trials for the IMMAF European Championships. The date has not been set, but applications are already arriving from across the country.
The EMMAA will be looking to build on its success in the Abu Dhabi World Championships. Team England failed to secure any medals, but many of their athletes put on excellent performances against top competition.
Teddy Stringer battled Ramazan Gitnov, the pound-for-pound number 1, losing a close decision. Reise Teasdale narrowly missed out on bronze but won many fans with his huge personality and sharp technique.
The competition will be stiff for the English team. Sweden (5) and Ireland (4) will be looking to build on the medals they won at the World Championships. Ukraine (5) and Spain (3) will also have eyes on the podium.
Most of the teams from the World Championships will be hoping to be in action again at the European Championships. Jamie Roper said, “I really really want to do the euros and be competing like this again. I absolutely love the squad here too!”. Jamie hopes to build on the win he secured over Estonia’s Raimond Uibio.
Dan Bainbridge commented, “I’m hungry to prove myself now.” Dan lost to the RMMAU’s Shakbhan Gapizov, who went on to win the gold medal in the Bantamweight division.
Until now, teams from all over the world could compete at regional tournaments like the European Championships. However, this year’s Euro’s will only be open to European teams.
The EMMAA trials will look to attract the best talent the UK has to offer. England will be looking to build on their World Championship performance by putting together the best team possible for the European competition.
