MIMMA2: Explosive turnout at All-Malaysian MMA tryout

The Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts Fighting Championship (MIMMA FC) held at Paradigm Mall in Kelana Jaya over the recent weekend saw a massive turnout of at least 500 mixed martial arts (MMA) hopefuls - all aiming to become the next MIMMA season 2 champion.

The two-day tryout tournament event on Saturday and Sunday was the seventh and last stop for MIMMA, after touring in six other states throughout Malaysia, gathering an overall participation of nearly 1,000 contestants.

"This time they will come with a bigger mission, not just for the exposure but also to surpass their opponents and possibly be the next MIMMA champion," according to a statement by MIMMA.

The contestants this year came much more prepared and 'ruthless' compared to last year, as they were more aware of the tournament, and also the exposure towards the sport which saw 2013 as the beginning of 'the rise of MMA' in the country.

"The MMA scene in the central region is booming. All the MMA gyms have positioned the MIMMA 2 tryouts as their major goal for the year. They are putting their fighters through rigorous training. I am sure we will recieve the biggest turnout with the best talents ever," said Tune Talk CEO and co-creator of MIMMA, Jason Lo.

Jason said the reason for the tryout and tournament being held in shopping malls is to expose the public with this fast growing sport.

Besides that, he said people including families who watch the tournament will understand that MMA is actually a sport and not something violent or dangerous.

“We are proud to be a part of the driving force that will change the MMA scene in Malaysia. At the moment we can see Malaysians starting to open up to the sport and soon it will become one of the biggest sporting event in the country,” he added.

The event witnessed curious crowds and bystanders packing the atrium who were curious and at the same time amazed by the action and skills displayed by the participants, apart from those who came to support their family and friends.

Lo also said that the tournament is a fight which every martial arts practitioner can join where it had uncovered many hidden talents and was gaining attraction among Malaysians since its first season last year.

He said the sport may look harsh, but the safety and security of the fighters are always taken care of, apart from getting recognition and support from the Youth and Sports Ministry.

During the tournament, participants were tried and tested on three different stages - Striking, Grappling and Cage Control.

The striking stage had the contestants showcasing their striking skills with a two-minute round of pad work, while the grappling stage tested their talents on ground fighting within a three-minute session judged by the best grappling specialists in Malaysia and Singapore.

The final stage, the MMA cage sparring tryout which became the the main attraction of the event, saw Participants were tested on their cage control skills when faced with an opponent.

This is to ensure that only the best MMA talent in Malaysia make it to the Top 16 Tournament of their respective weight divisions - Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight.

Once they have completed all the tryout stage, 112 fighters will be selected to move on to the Ladder Match taking place on May 17 and 18, 2014. All 112 fighters will be vying for the largest prize money ever for a local tournament which is worth up to RM150,000 in total.

The first season of MIMMA FC was held last year, producing great Malaysian MMA fighters such as Prabu Somanaidu, Adrian Tham, Allen Chong, Jim Chong, Keanu Subba, Kenny Yap, Ooi Aik Tong and Muhd Aiman.

MIMMA FC was a brainchild of Jason Lo with the Minister of Youth & Sports, Khairy Jamaluddin in a move to develop MMA for Malaysian martial artists and fans.

The sport is expected to grow even bigger with the recent formation of the Malaysian Mixed Martial Arts Association (MASMMAA), spearheaded by its President, Jaluddin Abu Hassan.