A DROITWICH teenager is set to represent the nation in an international mixed martial arts (MMA) competition and he needs funding support to make his dream a reality.
Filip Pieta, aged 16, has been selected by the English Mixed Martial Arts Association (EMMAA) to compete at the International MMA Federation Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, UAE later this year.
EMMAA is not supported by any funding bodies, so the cost of preparation, travel and accommodation need to be self-funded.
Filip and his family are now looking for funding support to help him achieve his dreams of competing against the best in the world. The family need to raise £2,500. The competition is held from August 5 to 11.
The featherweight fighter, who’s from Poland but has lived in Droitwich since birth, has been training at Iron Fight Club in Worcester since the age of seven. He is training to master MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), wrestling and kickboxing under his coach Piotr Ptasinski.
He has an MMA record of five wins, one loss and he holds a blue belt in BJJ. He is also an eight time British champion in BJJ and a one time world champion in BJJ No Gi.
Gi, which means ‘dress’ or ‘clothing’ in Japanese, is generally made of a thick cotton jacket, reinforced drawstring pants, and a rank-signifying belt. No Gi relates to BJJ competitions carried out without the use of this traditional clothing.
Filip’s mother, Monika Pieta, said: “We are extremely proud of Filip and are excited to watch him compete with the best junior fighters.
“On the other hand we know how much hard work this will be for our son. We will do our best to support him in this journey.
“Any support to help Filip get there and compete with the best in the world will be very much appreciated.”
For Filip’s competition preparation, he is training for multiple hours a day, six times a week. He will be training at different MMA centres up and down the country to ‘give him the best possible chance and prepare him for the challenge.’
Filip says he is ‘ready’ and ‘motivated to work even harder to achieve his goals.’
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Filip-Pieta-IMMAFabuDhabi to donate.
Alternatively, email [email protected] to enquire about sponsorship.
