By Cédric Dumas
Last week, IMMAF veterans once again made waves on the global professional MMA scene. From packed arenas in Abu Dhabi to the bright lights of Lumpinee Stadium and all the way to Mexico and Central Asia, graduates of the amateur world circuit proved why IMMAF remains the premier launching pad to the big leagues.
At UAE Warriors 61, Asaf Chopurov (8–0), a 2022 IMMAF Junior World Champion and amateur great, wasted no time dispatching João Pedro Saldanha, forcing the stoppage with ground-and-pound inside three minutes. Earlier that night, Omran Chaaban (9–1) delivered one of the most impressive finishes of the weekend, folding Wellington Madeira with a leg kick TKO in just 46 seconds. Known as ‘The Lebanese Gorilla’, Chaaban continues his meteoric rise, which brings him to the doors of the UFC. Meanwhile, 2018 IMMAF Worlds veteran Magomed Idrisov (11–2) followed suit, landing a flurry of ground strikes to finish Daniel Leyva Villagra in the opening frame.
The next day at UAE Warriors 62, Ramazan Ragimov (5–0), a graduate of IMMAF’s junior program, continued to impress at featherweight with a dominant first-round TKO against Eduardo Mora, overwhelming his opponent with a barrage of ground strikes.
In Bangkok at ONE Friday Fights 117, Alexandre Blin (5–0) looked composed and clinical. After controlling the pace, he locked in a textbook anaconda choke in the second round to submit Fujun Cao. Calm, precise, and tactically sharp, Blin is showing glimpses of high-level potential.
Over in Mexico at Lux Fight League 53, Luis Gonzalez (2–0), a Pan American IMMAF bronze medalist, continued his smooth transition to the pro ranks with a rear-naked choke submission win over Ricardo Ramirez. Just two pro fights in, Gonzalez already displays the composure of a veteran.
Meanwhile, at Octagon 76, Zafar Rashidov (2–0), who represented Uzbekistan at the IMMAF World Championships and won the gold medal, stayed undefeated by taking Rustam Shabdykadyrov’s back and finishing with a second-round TKO via ground strikes.
Back in Brazil at Centurion FC – Judgment Day 2, Guilherme Porto (1–0), a Pan American silver medalist, was successful in his pro debut, getting the nod against experienced Junior Duarte and showcasing his strong wrestling acumen.
Lester Batres Jr. (6–1) kept his momentum going at Fury Challenger Series 14 with another impressive finish. Facing Pena Allamov in a 160 lb catchweight bout, the former IMMAF Pan-Am champ wasted no time asserting control. Late in the first round, Batres overwhelmed his opponent with a clean flurry of punches, earning the TKO at 4:41 of Round 1.
These performances highlight how IMMAF alumni continue to make a strong impact as they transition to the professional ranks. With their skill, discipline, and finishing ability, they are proving time and again that the amateur circuit is a reliable pathway to success in the world’s top MMA promotions.
