By Frank Bonada
As the next wave of MMA talent ready themselves for the 2024 IMMAF World Championships, IMMAF alumni worldwide continue to illustrate how a solid amateur foundation is the key to professional success.
2019 IMMAF European Championships bronze medalist Paulin Begai (France) delivered a statement win over Salim El Ouassaidi at Ares FC 26. In the first round, Begai landed a precise knee to the body, forcing El Ouassaidi to one knee before the referee intervened, sealing an impressive finish for the French standout.
Italy’s Edoardo Caiazza also showcased his skills, capturing the inaugural Campania Kombat featherweight title at Campania Kombat 6. The former IMMAF European Championships competitor advanced his pro record to 5-1 with a dominant first-round finish over Zoltan Segedi, solidifying his status as a rising star in Italy.
Another alum making strides was Denmark’s Jonas Troest, a competitor from the inaugural IMMAF World Championships in 2014. Competing at MMA Galla Vol. 22, Troest secured a first-round TKO victory over Matej Simić. Having only competed twice in the first five years of his pro career, Troest has ramped up his activity significantly, with this win marking his fifth fight in the last two years and his second victory in his last three bouts.
UAE Warriors 55 was also a showcase for IMMAF alumni, with two former amateur standouts claiming pivotal victories. Australia’s Jacinta Austin, a 2019 IMMAF Oceania Open competitor, won a split decision over Valentina Escobar to claim the vacant strawweight title. Meanwhile, former 2018 IMMAF Junior World Championships competitor Ali Iskender Aliev (Azerbaijan) delivered a highlight-reel KO via flying knee.
IMMAF alumni continue to make their mark in MMA, proving that the path through IMMAF competition is a crucial stepping stone for fighters aiming to excel on the global stage.
