By MICHAEL MIYOBA
CURRENT Bellator MMA featherweight champion Cris Cyborg Justino will host Zambia’s first ever Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Zambia Symposium scheduled for next weekend in Lusaka, MMA Zambia president Benjamin Bush has confirmed.
In an interview, Bush said Cyborg, who is the only MMA fighter in history, male or female, to become a Grand Slam Champion is coming for the symposium set for November 25-28 at Arcades Shopping Mall!
Bush said the symposium is aimed at empowering athletes on key topics such as contract law, medical insurance for contact sports, anti-doping and many others.
He said MMA Zambia having been recognised by the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) and the IMMAF – International Mixed Martial Arts Federation is determined to use the sport of Mixed Martial Arts for Positive Social Change.
He said MMA Zambia seeks to provide the platform for athletes to become champions and represent Zambia around the world in the biggest promotions in the world.
“Cyborg is immediately coming to Zambia to help us with the symposium because she wants to work with vulnerable kids and she wants to empower women and our symposium has a vulnerable kids programme, and a female empowerment programme.
“We want to create role models that defend free speech, fight for the underprivileged and shine a light to inspire others to achieve their dreams,” Bush said.
He said Cyborg will be joined by Zambia’s first EFC fighter Rob Simbowe and IMMAF – International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and EFC referee Ferdinand Basson who will assist drill people wishing to become MMA referees.
MMA and grappling demonstrations, exhibition sparring matches, anti-bullying kids classes will be exhibited during the symposium which is open to all athletes from all sporting disciplines.
“The MMA Zambia Symposium is open to everyone. Athletes from all disciplines can come and enjoy seminars and lectures on topics as diverse as How to gain Sponsorship for athletes, social media and public profile management, contract law, medical insurance for contact sports, anti-doping.
“We have workshops on MMA basics, Advanced MMA, grappling, cut-man and corner-man essentials, and Judging and referring courses,” Bush said.
Cris Cyborg Justino is the only MMA fighter in history, male or female, to become a Grand Slam Champion, holding world championships across four major mixed martial arts promotions.
As the current Bellator MMA featherweight champion having defended her belt in devastating fashion last weekend, Cyborg has held titles in the UFC, Strikeforce and Invita.
