Since the inception of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), rising stars have continually graduated from the ranks with highly developed skillsets, ready to take on the world of professional MMA.
The likes of Mohammad Mokaev and Christian Leroy Duncan are relevant examples of the calibre of athlete that the IMMAF pathway produces. Below, we delve into five IMMAF athletes that combat sports fans should keep an eye on in the pro ranks.
Sabrina Laurentina de Sousa (Bahrain)
First up is the first-ever women’s three-time IMMAF Word Champion, Sabrina Laurentina de Sousa. Representing Team Bahrain, de Sousa boasts an impressive 15-0 amateur record. With all 15 of her fights coming under the IMMAF banner, the grappling prodigy has claimed gold on multiple occasions.
Known for her slick submission skills, de Sousa has racked up several finishes, primarily via armbar or rear naked choke. However, there is also a kneebar and a 1st round KO on her record, demonstrating the diversity in her game.
Now aged 22, Sabrina de Sousa is on the cusp of making the move to the pro ranks, having already been called out by former two-time IMMAF World Champion, Gase Sanita (New Zealand).
Ramazan Gitinov (Bahrain)
An IMMAF alumnus who has already made his first foray into the pro circuit, Ramazan Gitinov has great expectations on his shoulders for what he will achieve in his combat sports career.
Another member of Team Bahrain, he holds a sensational amateur record, having made the switch to pro-MMA after amassing a 30-fight win streak. Over the course of his time with IMMAF, Gitinov became a three-time IMMAF World Champion (2019, 2021, 2023), a two-time IMMAF European Champion (2019, 2021) and an IMMAF Asian Champion (2022).
Gitinov made his professional debut in May of 2023, justifying the hype around his name with a first round KO finish at BFC 71. Now officially signed with the high-profile MMA promotion, Brave Combat Federation, Gitinov promises to be a name that fans will be hearing for some time to come.
George Staines (England)
All the talk of the UK MMA scene, England’s George ‘Star Killer’ Staines is heavily rumoured to make the move to professional MMA very soon, having competed on the amateur scene since 2018.
Staines is just as happy letting his hands go if the fight plays out on the feet, or locking up slick submissions if it goes to the mat.
The EMMAA athlete became the first English male to win gold at an IMMAF event since Muhammad Mokaev, coming out on top at the IMMAF European Championships in the senior male lightweight category.
Holding an amateur record of 16-1, Staines is fully poised to make a big splash on the European scene and beyond in the coming years.
Magdalena Czaban (Poland)
Magdalena Czaban has been the driving force behind Poland’s rise up the IMMAF ranks and is expected to continue her formidable run into the pro scene.
An explosive atomweight with a host of finishes on her record, Czaban is a two-time IMMAF World Champion and three-time IMMAF European Champion. At the 2022 IMMAF World Championships, the native of Poland put on three sensational performances, finishing every opponent that stepped into the Fighting Area with her.
To add to the already lengthy list of accolades, Czaban is also a World Champion in the IBJF’s blue belt division.
Having won the fan vote for Senior Female Standout in the 2022 IMMAF Worlds, anticipation is sky-high for the pro debut of ‘Atomowka.’
Anthony Orozco (USA)
Anthony Orozco may have the least amount of amateur MMA experience on this list, but do not let that fool you.
The 9-1 American tore through the 2022 IMMAF Pan American Championships, decimating the middleweight division with back-to-back finishes before claiming gold with a decisive decision victory.
USFL alumnus Orozco would also compete in the 2022 IMMAF World Championships earlier this year, finishing two opponents, before coming up short to Sultan Omarov (Bahrain) in the middleweight quarterfinals.
Orozco holds a credentialed wrestling background, being a two-time Missouri Valley Runner Up and two-time National Champion.
At the age of 24, the American will soon be hitting his prime, and Cage Warriors have already snapped him up, with his pro debut set to take place in the coming weeks.
