From Rawle Toney in Monterrey, Mexico

– (Compliments of: Team Mohamed’s, GYMMAF, & National Sports Commission)

AFTER months of preparation, Guyana’s (amateur) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters will enter the Octagon in Monterrey, Mexico today, where they will compete in this year’s International Mixed Martial Arts (IMMAF) Pan American Championships. The event runs until June 24.

The team, which is made up of members of the Guyana Police Force, will see Shenese Bobb (Lightweight), Trevlon Clarke (Welterweight), and Carl Ramsay (Heavyweight) being tasked with securing the country’s first medals at their second IMMAF event.

Ijaz Cave, the other member of the team, was not cleared by IMMAF officials upon his arrival in Mexico, following his ‘TKO’ defeat to Sweden’s Robin Enontekio in quarterfinals of Men’s Light Heavyweight division at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Jiu-Jitsu Arena in January.

Cave and Corwin D’Anjou were the two athletes representing the Land of Many Waters at the IMMAF World Championships in Abu Dhabi, and while they both failed to make it past their first fight, the Traffic Policeman had an unfortunate ending to his campaign.

The Swedish fighter hit Cave so hard, that the knockout prompted IMMAF officials to keep the Guyanese overnight at a hospital in Abu Dhabi for observance under their concussion protocol.

The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GYMMAF) said it was regrettably unfortunate that Cave, who is the most experienced athlete on the squad was unable to participate due to a thorough and detailed review done by Guyana’s lone neurosurgeon Dr Amarnauth Dukhi.

According to the GYMMAF, Dr Dukhi’s assessment of Cave was cross-checked by the IMMAF medical commission which has outlined their acceptance of the document sent by the Guyanese doctor.

The evaluation was verified by medical charity Safe MMA. The IMMAF has partnered with Safe MMA, which independently controls the clearance of athletes prior to their participation in sanctioned competition, maintains medical records and provides medical advice to competitors. Safe MMA’s panel comprises numerous medical professionals, who are non-partisan and mandated to prioritise the health of athletes.

Thought not certain why the GYMMAF, despite Dr Dukhi’s review went ahead and selected Cave, president, Gavin Singh, said they’re disappointed that Cave will not be able to compete, especially since he would’ve worked hard and dedicated his time to compete in the tournament.

Singh said, “however, health is more important, and we can’t put a price on health and that is why IMMAF has these health safety protocols and regulations. What we will be looking at is for him to give moral support and encouragement to the team, as he will be there for the duration of the tournament.”

Meanwhile, Bobb will become the first female to represent Guyana at an IMMAF event with one of three fighters in her division.
Both Carl Ramsay and Trevlon Clarke will be making their respective MMA debuts in Monterrey.

Clarke competed at a Kempo Karate Open held in Barbados in 2018 and won three medals. As for Ramsay, he will enter a five-man heavyweight division against some tough opposition in search of gold.

Mohamed’s Enterprise and KFC Guyana are the two major sponsors for the team, while exclusive coverage in Chronicle Sport and on NCN Sports was made possible by Team Mohamed’s, the National Sports Commission and the GYMMAF.