By Frank Bonada
The final day of the 2024 IMMAF World Championships saw the top junior athletes from across the globe competing for the honour of IMMAF gold. In a series of high level bouts, reigning champions and fresh contenders alike battled for their place in amateur MMA history.
The opening bout featured an eagerly anticipated rematch between Ireland’s 2023 Junior World Champion, Amy Scully, and Poland’s 2024 Junior European Champion, Julia Głaz. Głaz, who previously handed Scully the first loss of her career, was the natural favourite heading into the bout. However, Scully’s evolution since their last encounter was unmistakable. She controlled the fight from start to finish, pressuring her Polish rival relentlessly and winning via unanimous decision, thus earning the prestigious status of two time IMMAF World Champion.
Another standout of the day was Team USA’s Abigail Alvarez. The 2022 Jr. World Champion showcased her elite skillset and determination, securing her second gold in what was likely her final junior outing. Taking on Ukraine’s Anastasiia Horodivska in the strawweight final, Alvarez delivered a dominant three-round performance, nearly finishing her opponent on multiple occasions,leaving no doubt as to who the new Women’s Strawweight World Champion would be.
The Men’s Light Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight divisions saw two major upsets. France’s Sarguis Beloryan defeated former heavyweight champion Josyp El Sawy (Germany) via TKO, while Kyrgyzstan’s Karim Iusupov dethroned reigning light heavyweight champion Ivan Poremchuk (Ukraine).
Uzbekistan’s Junior team once again solidified their dominance, topping the medals table. Victories from Xurshidaxon Rozikova, Muzayana Sadriddinova, Mirjalol Urolov, and Zafarjon Asatov underscored Uzbekistan’s emerging strength as a powerhouse of amateur MMA talent.
Finland’s Isla Fono also brought home a second gold for her nation following Sani Brännfors’ history-making Senior win. Additional champions included Romania’s Loboda Stefan, Brazil’s Ana Carolina Brito Dos Santos, Armenia’s Spartak Mikayelyan, and Germany’s Iwan Tagner. Slovenia’s Chiril Negru continued to build his reputation as one of amateur MMA’s top prospects with a decisive victory in his division.
In a historic achievement, Angola’s Maria Kitoko became her country’s first IMMAF World Champion with a thrilling win over Uzbekistan’s Makhliyo Abdumannobova in the Women’s Junior Super Lightweight division.
Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Tajikistan also added to their growing lists of IMMAF World Championship titles, closing out a monumental event. The 2024 IMMAF World Championships have set a new benchmark for amateur MMA, and with excitement already building for 2025, it’s clear this is only the beginning of a new era in the sport.
