The finals of the IMMAF World Championships took place at the UFC Fan Expo earlier today and Ireland had their very first world amateur champion crowned as Frans Mlambo (Ire) defeated Joel Moya (Sweden) via unanimous decision.
Unfortunately though in the women’s bantamweight final Sinead Kavanagh (Ire) was defeated by Jamie Herrington (Canada) via TKO in the third round and earns silver for her efforts.
Mlambo certainly earned his gold medal after fighting three times already this week before claiming the title as amateur featherweight world champion.
His path to gold:
Tues- Frans Mlambo (Ire) def. Albay Tolesh (Kaz) via decision.
Wed- Frans Mlambo (Ire) def. David Evans (USA) via TKO, round 2.
Thurs- Frans Mlambo (Ire) def. Nicolas OTT (France) via unanimous decision.
Sat- Frans Mlambo (Ire) defeated Joel Moya (Sweden) via unanimous decision.
All eyes are now on Mlambo and Kavanagh’s teammate Conor McGregor as he attempts to be crowned the very first Irish UFC champ later tonight at UFC 189.
Elsewhere in the event Northern Ireland’s Carl McNally and Denis Perry earned bronze medals after both fighters reached the semi-finals in their respective weight categories.
In total Irish MMA walked away from the event with a total of four medals, one gold, one silver, and two bronze.
For a full recap on how competitors from Team Ireland and Team Northern Ireland got on please check out the links:
Day 1 & 2 Recap
Day 3 Quarter Finals
Day 4 Semi Finals