As Day 2 of the 2023 IMMAF Pan American Championships wraps up, the frontrunners of the tournament are beginning to make themselves known.
After Team USA took the top spot on Day 1, Mexico moved to pole position on the second day of proceedings, claiming 11 victories across all weight classes. 2022 Pan American gold medallist Samantha Oñate made it abundantly clear that she is a major threat to anyone at 145lbs, as she picked up her second win of the competition, this time over 2022 IMMAF World Championships bronze medallist Rabech Rufino.
A host of Mexican IMMAF newcomers such as Alan Perez, Angel Flores and Jade Vazquez also claimed victory, earning their places in the finals.
For the aforementioned Jade Vazquez, her toughest test may well be yet to come. Brazil’s Giulliany Perea, fresh off a decision win over Columbia’s Alison Vargas, will face off against Vazquez in the penultimate bout of the Women’s Senior Strawweight division.
Another Brazilian athlete quickly making a name for himself is Guilherme Porto, who competes in the welterweight division. Porto picked up his second submission win of the tournament, catching Juan Contreras Silva in a rear naked choke, securing a spot opposite Trinidad & Tobago’s Joshua James.
The 2023 Youth World Championships had its fair share of All-American finals, and it appears that the 2023 Pan American Championships will be no different. In the Women’s Senior Atomweight division, Team USA protege Abigail Alvarez picked up a highly impressive first-round kneebar submission, whilst Jessica Holmes picked up another decision victory. The two Team USA fighters will now leave it all on the line for a shot at IMMAF gold.
Finally, host nation Colombia continue to impress, with nine of their fighters leaving with their hand raised. Special mention should be given to El Salvador and Jamaica, who picked up their first wins of the tournament.
Find out all the results from Day 2 of the 2023 IMMAF Pan American Championships right here.
