MMA Championships in Tyumen Explore New Generation's Strength

The Tyumen Oblast championship and competitions in mixed martial arts (MMA) were held this time at the Muromets sports complex. Tyumen fighters performed in five age categories: 12–13, 14–15, 16–17, 18–20, and over 18 years old. According to the organizers, the event attracted a record number of athletes, with 217 participants testing their strength. This article covers the results of the qualifying bouts and the growing popularity of MMA in the region.

Young Fighters, Big Ambitions

Athletes from Tyumen clubs such as Storm Tyumen, HUNTER MMA, Raja Fight, the MMA Union of Russia«s Martial Arts Academy, Tyumen Top Team, Fighters, and ARES took part in the tournament.

«The kids who competed a few years ago in the 12–13 age category have come back today to show themselves again. It»s nice to see them mature and develop their skills, and we grow together with them,« commented the head judge of the competitions, Nadezhda Shcherbakova.

Over its existence, the Tyumen Oblast MMA Federation has produced more than ten Russian masters of sport. At the grand opening ceremony, Islam Gamidov received his rank—the Tyumen resident had been waiting for this for two years.

«The level of fights is pleasing—it»s the best indicator that we«re doing everything right,» noted Yevgeny Bondar, vice-president of the Tyumen Oblast MMA Federation. «Many guys have moved into new age categories and are showing great fighting technique. We look forward to them starting to compete in adult tournaments and wish everyone success and luck.»

The event was organized by the Tyumen Oblast MMA Federation, the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of Tyumen Oblast, and the ANO «72Sport». Mixed martial arts in the region are supported by various city and oblast companies, including the Korney Residential Complex*.

«We are proud to support MMA tournaments in Tyumen: such events not only bring people together but also inspire a healthy lifestyle,» said Sergey Zolnikov, marketing director of the Korney Residential Complex. «By the way, last year, the Korney Residential Complex opened a large sports area on the parking lot roof with exercise equipment and fields for football and basketball. Our friends from the MMA Federation led a warm-up for the residents.»

The winners of the championship and competitions will represent Tyumen Oblast at the next level of competitions—among athletes of the Urals Federal District.

«I felt nervous before the fight,» modestly shared Namig Mirishov, winner of the Tyumen Oblast competitions in the 16–17 age category. «I»m glad that I pleased my coach and the whole team and advanced to the UFD competition level. I hope to reach the all-Russian level in the future.«

MMA is Not Just About Strength and Discipline

The popularity of MMA in the oblast is growing. The Tyumen Oblast MMA Federation has been holding championships, competitions, and professional tournaments for several years now. Not long ago, a broadcast of the competitions was organized on Match TV: television ratings confirm the audience«s interest in this sport.

«The groups in our clubs are full,» said Bogdan Golovkov, president of the Tyumen Oblast MMA Federation. «Parents bring children aged 4–5 years old, entrusting them to our coaches—this says a lot.»

Traditionally, MMA is considered a male sport that tempers both body and character. According to Bogdan, mixed martial arts not only develop physical strength and endurance but also form an inner core, the ability to overcome difficulties in life, cope with failures, support and protect loved ones, work in a team, and achieve success in any area of life.

«Many say that the new generation is weaker than the previous one: in my age category, people are weaker than our fathers, our fathers are weaker than our grandfathers. We don»t want to lose the young generation. Our task is to raise decent and strong people, because the future of the entire country depends on them.«

Girls also have something to strive for. For example, Tyumen resident Alena Agisheva became the winner of the world MMA competitions, and then a professional fighter, champion of the international mixed martial arts league Open FC. She also performs abroad.

In March of this year, the Urals Federal District MMA competitions will be held in Tyumen, where Tyumen athletes will compete with the best fighters from across the UFD for the right to represent their region at all-Russian competitions. This event may also be broadcast on TV—more information is available on the social media of the Tyumen Oblast MMA Federation on Telegram and VKontakte.

_{* The developer of the Korney Residential Complex is LLC SZ VESTA. Project documentation is available on the website nash.dom.rf.}