(MENAFN- International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) The United States Fight League (USFL) has put together a team full of talent for the 2022 World Championships. Multiple 2022 Pan American and youth World medalists are amongst the squad set to travel to Belgrade, Serbia, for the federation's first outing at the junior and senior World Championships.
The federation has been prominent in the youth ranks over the years, with multiple athletes taking a spot on the podium. In 2022, a junior and senior team was set up as the federation grew. Debuting at the 2022 Pan American Championships, the team impressed, finishing second on the medal table.
Youth World medalists Abigail Alvarez and Rashad Satterwhite will join the team for the first time after graduating from the youth ranks.
Five Pan American gold medalists will feature, including Anthony Orozco and Jonathan Powell, while credentialed wrestlers Victoria Anthony and Cary Miller join the team for the first time.
Ahead of the tournament, team coaching coordinator and The Ultimate Fighter season two winner Joe Stevenson said:
“Many of our fighters are young in age and experience. This is why it was crucial to have our fight camp and watch everyone's fight IQ grow tremendously. In a sport where if you're not up to something, your opponent is. We are definitely up to something.”
With the help of selection committee chairman Forrest Griffin, the team had the opportunity to spend some time training at the UFC PI in the lead-up to the competition. Each day of training was documented and can be viewed on the usfl youtube channel . The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion has been very involved in the team and is excited to see the team in action.
“I'm honoured and excited to have the opportunity to work with the US Amateur National Team. This is a great cause and needs all the support it can get. I looked forward to watching the team's success in Serbia.”
The team headed to the 2022 World Championships is as follows.
Senior Entries
Atomweight (105 lbs) – Victoria Anthony
Strawweight (115 lbs Hope Holms
Flyweight (125 lbs) – Ashley Molina
Featherweight (145 lbs) – Veronica Meza
Strawweight (115 lbs) – Adrian Ledzema
Flyweight (125 lbs) – William Herrera
Bantamweight (135 lbs) – Christian Ammons
Featherweight (145 lbs) – Jonathan Powell
Lightweight (155 lbs) – Shane Collins
Welterweight (170 lbs) – Lester Batres Jr
Middleweight (185 lbs) – Anthony Orozco
Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) – Jake Christensen
Heavyweight (265 lbs) – Cary Miller
Junior Entries
Atomweight (105 lbs) – Abigail Alvarez
Flyweight (125 lbs) – Yexalen Bazan
Flyweight (125 lbs) – Rashad Satterwhite
Lightweight (155 lbs) – Silas Muscat
The team is one of the largest US teams sent in quite some time. Previous squads have seen medalists go on to compete in some of the best promotions in the World. Team Leader Jim Nightingale believes this will be the case in a couple of years with some of the athletes from this squad.
“This is the largest team the US has sent in years. It was drawn from across the entire country and includes some fighters that I think are truly special. You'll be seeing their names at the top of the pro ranks in a couple of years. The great thing is that while this is a great team, there is a lot we can do to be even more formidable next year. There are still strong schools and geographical areas that we have not yet tapped. The international game continues to improve, and we must and will improve with it. Keep an eye on this team in Belgrade. I think it will be something not seen from the US for some time.”