MMA: STEBBINS SEEKS GOLD AT IMMAF IN BAHRAIN

2017 UMMAF National flyweight champion Sean Stebbins (9-1) of Minneapolis will represent team USA once again at the IMMAF World amateur MMA championships this coming week in Manama, Bahrain. Stebbins won bronze at last years tournament after losing a razor thin and controversial split decision in the semifinals. Following the tournament, Stebbins suffered a neck injury which halted his plans to turn pro. The Academy fighter underwent surgery and is now fully recovered. He says he plans on bringing gold back to Minnesota to put a stamp on an excellent amateur career.

Stebbins says that the IMMAF tournament brings together the best amateur MMA fighters in the world for a six days where each fighter has a chance to have up to five fights in their 32 man bracket.

“Weigh-ins are not typical of what we are used to in MMA”, said Stebbins. “They are conducted each morning and fights are conducted a few hours later. There is no allowance and fighters missing weight are automatically out of the tournament.”

Each country is responsible for hosting their own tournament to choose their respective national champion. They then go on to compete against the champions from around the world. Stebbins says this is MMAs version of the Olympics with IMMAF’s primary purpose being to gain Olympic recognition for MMA.

“There is no greater test in the world for an amateur athlete and the tournament provides a rare opportunity to gain experience against international competition as an amateur before making the jump to the professional ranks.”

The tournament runs from Sunday, November 11th through Sunday, November 18th. We will keep you informed on Stebbins’ progress and fight times as they become available. All of the action can be viewed for a small fee at www.IMMAF.tv.