Willenhall's Young Warriors bring home World Championship Gold from Abu Dhabi
Following their landmark selection for the England national team, the junior squad from Intensity MMA in Willenhall has returned from the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi with a spectacular haul of medals, including a new World Champion and three bronze medallists.
Leading the charge was 11-year-old Lewis Green from Wolverhampton, who was crowned the new boys' 31kg IMMAF World Champion. Lewis delivered a dominant, undefeated performance, winning all five of his matches to secure the gold medal in a display of exceptional skill and composure.
The success didn’t stop there. Santiago Lopez, 10, also from Wolverhampton, secured a brilliant bronze medal in the fiercely competitive under 40kg category, only losing out in a close all-England semi-final against the eventual winner.
Wolverhampton’s Georgina Green, 12, and Moxley’s Bella Newell, 12, also brought home bronze medals. Georgina showed incredible grit and determination, securing her bronze medal despite fracturing her elbow in her third bout, an injury that prevented her from contesting her final match. Alfie Fellows, 13, from Tipton, faced an incredibly tough draw, losing out to the eventual tournament winner in his category.
The team’s success was part of a phenomenal performance by Team England, who finished an impressive second in the overall medal table with 13 gold medals, a huge improvement on the previous year.
Head Coach Dan Cassell, who travelled to Abu Dhabi to corner the athletes, was bursting with pride upon their return.
"I'm absolutely blown away by what these kids have achieved," said Cassell. "To see them perform with such skill and heart on the world's biggest stage is incredible. My expectations were high, but they've completely exceeded them. Every single one of them represented their club, their town, and their country with immense pride. It's a massive moment for our gym and for the sport in this area."
The global success has sparked a boom in interest back home in Willenhall, and the gym is now expanding its offering to accommodate the growing demand.
"The phone hasn't stopped ringing since we got back," Cassell added. "To help welcome new faces to the sport, we've just launched Little Sprawlers for children aged three and up. This adds to our full programme for all ages and abilities, and it’s the perfect way to introduce the youngest members of the community to the sport in a safe, fun, and supportive environment."
Intensity MMA offers a trial session for all new members. To book your trial for any of their programmes, including the new Little Sprawlers, please visit the gym's website at intensitymma.co.uk.
