Arjan Rizaj, president of the Albanian Free Fighting Federation (FSHNL-MMA), recently met with heads of RTSH, the nation’s flagship television and radio broadcaster, to discuss further cooperation in the promotion of MMA and the sport’s development at the national level.
“During an official meeting at the premises of RTSH, with the General Director Mr. Thoma Gellqi and Program Director Mr. Pano Xhixho, we discussed the excellent cooperation we have had,” Mr. Rizaj revealed.
“During this meeting, a closer cooperation was discussed and signed between FSHNL-MMA and RTSH, which is a major push for the promotion and further development for the sport of MMA in Albania and further international activities.”
UFC contender Ilir Latifi (center) accompanied Team Albania at the 2017 IMMAF World Championships
Further sport development via televised exposure will be a critical avenue for the Albanian Federation to source funding and implement its core objectives such as the sustained progress and regulation of amateur Mixed Martial Arts in addition to opening pathways for young talent to represent the country at the international level.
To date, Albania’s modest national team has showcased potential for the nation, achieving as high as two bronze medals at the 2017 IMMAF World Championships via Ermal Hadribeaj (men’s lightweight) and Florian Doskja (men’s bantamweight)
Albania will be represented later this week at the first ever MMA World Youth Championships, taking place from 3-4 August in Rome, Italy. Kristi Kanushi (male featherweight) and bantamweight Olsi Ruci (male bantamweight) will compete for their country at the Youth A (age 15-16) level.
