MMA fighters rewarded |14 January 2016

Jean Paul Labonté and Tesarina Gomme are the best male and female mixed martial arts fighters for the year 2015 and they received their awards during the first training session on Monday.

According to the Seychelles Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Association, Labonté performed well in both competitions organised by the association while Gomme was awarded the best female fighter title after going undefeated in all contests held during the year.

Speaking after receiving his award, Labonte said: “My development in the sport was due to great boxing, BJJ and MMA coaches and mentors as well as a great team. The group started off as a few members and has grown into a family. Once everyone steps in the dojo they leave their egos outside, with no one trying to be better than the other. We all try to help one another to better our skills and techniques and aim to progress collectively instead of individually. Commitment to training is also a key factor for our improvement. I thank the MMA association for the 2015 programme and look forward to the upcoming curriculum for 2016.”

As for Gomme she had this to say: “I feel very good about the award as I have performed well in both training and competition. For the coming years I would like to continue moving forward with a positive attitude and go further in the sport. I would also like to thank everyone who helped and supported me.”

Curtis Hoareau retained the best junior male fighter title won in 2014, while 16-year-old Brigitte Cave won the award for best junior female athlete for her performance during the grappling competition held in 2015 in addition to her performance during training.

The association has also recognised athletes who have made the most improvement during the year and for 2015 the award for the most improved male fighter has gone to Kunal Nagnesia.

“This award means a lot to me as I worked hard last year, not to achieve this title, but rather to improve my own ability and skills. I’m really happy and would like to thank my coaches and colleagues,” said Nagnesia.

Brigitte Cave picked up her second award when she was named most improved female fighter.

Meanwhile, association chairman Adrian Nanty has said they are looking forward to offer a full and active programme for the year 2016 which includes daily training sessions, special seminars and workshops as well as competitions, tournaments and exhibition match-ups.

“The association is very happy with performances put on by the athletes both during training and during the competitions organised in 2015. We ended the year on an excellent note and would like to congratulate all the athletes who received awards and hope they continue to display an exemplary attitude towards training and competition and incorporate this positive attitude into their daily lives. We would also like to congratulate all the other athletes who despite not winning any awards, showed a great attitude towards training,” said Mr Nanty.