From first glance, MMA Sports Federation (MMASF) appears to be a typical run-of-the-mill, prospective local amateur MMA promotion. But, with its latest endeavors, the promotion is clearly establishing itself as a noteworthy competitor rivaling its fellow amateur organizations.
MMASF is a Schaumburg, Illinois-based organization that has recruited amateur mixed martial artists to form Team USA and represent not only their local area, but in many instances, their country. Using a national team competition format, MMASF pits its fighters against those from even the furthest reaches of the globe. The organization recently hosted events featuring fight teams from Canada, Ireland, Poland, and Australia – also in the works is a January event accommodating Team Mexico, as well as the return of Team Australia in the spring.
For the first time since its inception, MMASF is taking its talent international and hopping the pond to headline a November 19 event in Lavorno, Italy. MMASF President Rob Zbilski said, “This is the first in a series of fights held overseas that Team USA will compete in. The invitation is a testament to the popularity of mixed martial arts in the United States. The enthusiasm and fervor of US fans is now spilling over into the international arena…We are proud to represent the US in this historic event.”
Alex White (left), shown here battling Team Australia's Joey Luciano at MMASF's Team USA vs. The World event in July, is one of three US fighters featured on the November 19 card in Italy. (Photo courtesy of Mallory Mejia and MMA Gospel)
Representing MMASF and Team USA in Italy are Coach Joe Worden and fighters Austin Mitchell Knight (4-0*), Jason Alan Slattery (7-0*), and Alexander Randle White (9-0*), all hailing from Missouri. Worden said, “The fighters, including myself, believe highly in the team concept. Being on a team that represents our country is an honor and a privilege that we don’t take lightly. Win or lose, we want to represent the USA by showing respect, discipline and sportsmanship.”
Zbilski says the action in Italy promises to “showcase some of the world’s best young fighting talent.” He continued, “The US will fight to secure its status as a dominant power in mixed martial arts at a time when the sport is becoming increasingly global and more competitive. This is one of the ‘must see’ fighting events of the year.” MMASF is affiliated with over 20 countries, including the host of the November 19 event. The approaching engagement in “The Boot” serves as the precursor in a series of competitions that will conclude in June with the Mixed Martial Arts World Championships in Odessa, Ukraine.
MMASF seeks and selects new fighters for Team USA via tryouts. The next challenge matches are at Real Time Sports Bar in St. Charles, Illinois on November 12. The card will feature Team USA fighters Matt Paul, Jordan Mitchell, and Devon Miller.
To see MMA Gospel’s previous coverage of MMASF as part of the Amateur Spotlight series, click here.
*Official records on MixedMartialArts.com list Austin Mitchell Knight as 1-0, Jason Alan Slattery as 4-0, and Alexander Randle White as 0-0, respectively.
