ZAMBIA IMPRESSES AT MIXED MARTIAL ARTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

By Morgan Chomba

ZAMBIAN fighters have shown class at the ongoing 2024 International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) World Championship in Uzbekistan at which they are participating for the first time.

Despite being eliminated, Batista Mende showed remarkable resilience in his bout, dominating most of the second round before succumbing to an armbar, thereby giving his Moroccan opponent, Nawfal Akki, the edge

Meanwhile, middleweight fighter Gilbert Ndlovu overcame tough Georgian Giorgi Tsipiani via a Technical Knockout (TKO). Ndlovu stunned his Georgian opponent with a comeback victory, securing a technical knockout in the second round.

And Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Zambia president, Benjamin Bush yesterday expressed happiness that despite being their debut tournament, the fighters had shown incredible grit and determination on the first day of the competition.

“We are proud of our fighters’ grit and determination.  We are looking forward to the next rounds,” Bush said.

He further revealed that in the upcoming matches, Gilbert Ndlovu will be joined by Miracle Chapito, who is also fighting today and that on the third day, Mutinta Mweene will join the line-up.