Intensity MMA from Willenhall bring home two European titles as Team England shine in Belgrade
Willenhall’s Intensity MMA returned from the 2026 IMMAF European Championships in Belgrade last month with a haul to be proud of: two gold medals, a bronze, and a set of performances that underlined the gym’s rise on the international stage
Leading the way were Santiago Lopez (Wolverhampton) and Georgina Green (Willenhall), who both struck gold on their European Championships debuts. Lopez powered through the group stage with three dominant wins, before a hard-fought final against a strong Ukrainian opponent saw him crowned champion. Green produced an outstanding run of her own, recording four wins against very strong opposition to take the top step of the podium.
Isabella “Bella” Newell (Moxley) added to the medal tally with bronze in a strong field, while two more Intensity athletes made big statements in their first major international campaign. Noah Hampson-Goodwin (Willenhall) fought well in a highly competitive bracket, with a couple of very close decisions going against him. Jacob Spruce (Willenhall) delivered a brilliant tournament, two dominant group wins followed by a narrow decision loss that saw him miss out on a semi-final place and a guaranteed bronze.
Intensity were also represented in the adult competition by Aaron Bolton, who won his first two matches before a tight, hard-fought quarter-final decision went the other way, a result that could easily have swung either way, leaving him within touching distance of the podium.
Head Coach Dan Cassell, recently announced as Director of Coaching for EMMAA (the English MMA Association), praised both the results and the importance of the platform.
“IMMAF is the highest level of amateur MMA. It’s where athletes are tested against the best in Europe, under the standards that shape the future of the sport,” said Cassell. “To come away with two European champions, a bronze medal, and performances like Noah, Jacob and Aaron put in is outstanding. This is a real pathway for young athletes who dream of going all the way, and Belgrade showed exactly what Intensity MMA and Team England are capable of.”
With Team England finishing second in the Youth medal table behind Ukraine, and second in the Adult standings behind France, it was an incredible performance across the squad and a moment Intensity MMA and the Black Country can take real pride in.
Intensity MMA is open to all ages and abilities, from juniors and beginners through to world-class competitors. To book a free trial session, visit https://www.intensitymma.co.uk/.
