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Later this year the IMMAF are set to host their second series of MMA’s World Amateur Championships in Las Vegas, USA. With the championships kicking off on July 5, British UFC veteran John Maguire will take the helm as head coach of Team UK, and national tryouts are to take place across the country in coming months.

In 2014, the first ever IMMAF World Championships of MMA took place in Vegas, and Team UK claimed five medals with representatives from over 20 nations competing.

26-year-old UFC middleweight Luke Barnatt lead Team UK as head coach for the inaugural championships, and explained that it came down to a matter of national pride when asked what motivated him to take the role.

“It’s pretty simple,” said Barnatt. “To represent my nation and try to inspire young athletes who are looking to do the same. Being a part of the UFC, I feel I have a responsibility to put my country first and carry the flag wherever I go. This was an opportunity to show the world who we are in the UK, and I was proud to be a part of it.”

Having bonded with the fighters of Team UK, ‘Bigslow’ recapped some of his favourite memories from coaching the British ranks, and noted the ‘grueling’ effects of fighters having to compete over a period of several days, something that many others will not have experienced, even as professionals.

“For me, it was probably warming up two of my athletes Josh [McManus] & Dan [Cassell] in the Amateur World Championships octagon before the event. It was so important to us, and to them it was their first real opportunity to know how it feels to fight for their country. I remember that feeling when I made my UFC debut. It felt just like that moment.

“It was tough.. This competition was no joke. The countries where very prepared and organised. It was a grueling week with fights & weigh ins everyday, a real challenge for the team, but I really enjoyed getting to know everyone and trying my best to provide knowledge and inspiration all week. I talk to the team members all now and keep up on their progress.”

Josh Stacey McManus
pictured right, welterweight silver medalist Josh Stacey McManus

Barnatt explained how the World Amateur Championships is MMA’s Olympics, the peak of amateur competition. For him, the greatest reward that participants can gain is from the opportunity to define themselves as fighters.

“To gain? Well it depends if you’re a real fighter or not… I remember when I was fighting and all I wanted to do was prove to my team, my friends, and the world that I was worthy of fighting at the highest level. I strived to be the best athlete I could be, and that meant continuously taking on tougher challenges. At the amateur level this is the toughest it gets. It’s like MMA’s Olympic Games. There is nothing bigger right now so the question isn’t what do you have to gain… it’s what type of fighter are you? One that runs from challenges or one who seeks them out because the IMMAF World Championships is your Everest.”

It was recently announced that the UFC would feature this year’s championships on-demand via their online streaming service, Fight Pass, and Barnatt feels that this is the UFC’s way of acknowledging amateur MMA and its importance.

“Every sport lives off of its amateur scene and the growth of the sport relies on the growth of amateur competition. The UFC know that and that’s why they are helping this happen and grow.”

With tryouts for Team UK to begin in March, Barnatt had a message for any potential contenders:

“If you’re unsure on if it’s worth it then don’t bother applying, because we need a team who’s ready to go out there and win the gold for the United Kingdom. If you think you’ve got what it takes then we will see you at Tryouts.”

See the full 2015 tryouts schedule:
March 1st: Avaddon MMA
March 8th: Fight Science Leeds
March 15th: Outlaw MMA
March 22nd: Combat Sports Academy
March 29th: Chris Rees Academy
March/April: Scotland (date and location TBC)

To apply or for more information, contact info@ukmmaf.org. The deadline for applications is Saturday February 14th.

Photo credit: Luke Barnatt by Mark Blundell