AMMA Manila Open 2024 Set to Showcase Asia’s Top MMA Talent
Singapore – 19 Sep 2024: The first-ever Asian Mixed Martial Arts Manila Open will take place from 14 – 16 October 2024 in Manila, bringing together 88 of our best athletes from 16 countries and regions. This prestigious event is set to be a defining moment for the growth of MMA in Asia, with champions from the 2023 Bangkok and 2024 Phnom Penh AMMA Championships competing for glory.
AMMA Manila Open Unveiled at Press Conference
On 18 September 2024, a press conference at Newport World Manila officially introduced the AMMA Manila Open to the media and the public. Representatives from AMMA, the Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas (NMMAPP), 9 Dynasty Group, and Newport World Resorts shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament.
Alvin Aguilar, Secretary-General of NMMAPP, expressed his gratitude to Mayor Abraham Tolentino, President of NMMAPP and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), for his pivotal role in making the event possible. Aguilar said:
“Thanks to Mayor Tolentino, we now have an official platform for Filipino fighters to showcase their skills, not just in amateur and pro tournaments, but in events that give them the chance to win medals and bring honor to the country.”
Showcasing Asia’s Best Athletes
The AMMA Manila Open will feature 11 weight categories for both modern and traditional men and women, bringing together the best MMA athletes from across Asia, including past AMMA champions and medalists who will once again compete for gold. Chin-Cheng Yu from Chinese Taipei, a two-time AMMA medalist who won bronze in the 2023 AMMA Championship and silver in the 2024 AMMA Championship shared his ambitions for the tournament:
“In the last two championships, I identified areas where I needed to improve, and I’ve been working hard on them. My goal this time is to win the gold.”
He also expressed his excitement about competing with top athletes from the region and exchanging techniques and experiences on the international stage. This determination is echoed by many athletes, all of whom have been rigorously preparing for this event.
Shown here are (from left) 9 Dynasty’s Derris Wong, AMMA Sports Director Galastein Tan, AMMA Organizing Committee Chairman Lock Wai Han, POC and NMMAPP President Abraham Tolentino, Secretary General Alvin Aguilar and Newport Chief Marketing Officer David Jorden.
A Milestone for MMA in Asia
The AMMA Manila Open 2024 is not just a competitive platform; it is a significant milestone in the growth of MMA in Asia. Lock Wai Han, Chairman of the AMMA Organizing Committee, emphasized the association’s vision for the sport:
“Our mission is to make MMA safer, more inclusive, and ultimately a globally recognized sport. The AMMA Manila Open is a crucial milestone on this journey, and we are excited to see Asia’s best athletes compete.”
In addition to elite competition, the event underscores the importance of grassroots development in MMA. Abraham Tolentino noted that this event is key to nurturing future talent:
“MMA has always had strong support in Asia, but this event marks a turning point, as it will help build a solid foundation for future athletes and further elevate the sport in the region.”
Looking Ahead
With an impressive lineup of top-tier competitors, strong organizational backing, and growing public interest, the AMMA Manila Open 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event. Fans and athletes alike are eagerly anticipating three days of high-level competition, as Asia’s best MMA athletes vie for glory in this landmark tournament.
About AMMA
The Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA) was established in 2022 to promote and develop MMA in Asia, focusing on athlete safety, inclusivity, and professionalism. AMMA has organized two successful championships in Bangkok (2023) and Phnom Penh (2024), and continues to strive for MMA’s recognition in major international sporting events.
About NMMAPP
The Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas (NMMAPP) is the governing body for MMA in the Philippines, responsible for developing the sport and organizing both national and international competitions in the country.
About 9 Dynasty Group
9 Dynasty Group (9D) is a leading international entertainment company recognized for its professional services. The group specializes in brand marketing, tourism operations, and software development, and is committed to providing top-tier security and service for its partners and clients.