MMA in Spain: a thriving journey from local talent to the global stage
In recent years, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has experienced explosive growth, particularly in Spain, where the sport has not only attracted athletes but also captured the hearts of fans across the country. The arrival of the Guadalajara-based Spanish Mixed Martial Arts Association(AEMMA), led by the legendary Chinto Mordillo, has been a driving factor in this boom. AEMMA’s impact has crossed borders and Spanish fighters have caused a sensation on the international scene, especially in recent months.
Spanish wrestlers shine at the WKN K-1 European Championships
One of the most significant events that highlighted the talent of Spanish MMA athletes was the recent WKN K-1 European Championships, held in Germany. The event brought together almost 250 participants from all over Europe and the British Isles, and the Spanish fighters delivered outstanding performances.
Among the notable achievements were two gold medals, won by Aitor Garcia (50 kg) and Alejandro Garcia (-60 kg). Both fighters prepared rigorously for the competition at the Meguro Castilla Gym in Guadalajara, under the guidance of their dedicated coaches, Manuel Garcia and David Fernandez.
In addition to the gold medalists, three Spanish athletes also achieved runner-up finishes in their respective categories: Islam El Krarraz (60 kg), Adrian Lopez (60 kg – senior) and Elias El Rahali (57 kg – senior). Their silver medal performances were hard-fought and each round demonstrated the relentless drive and endurance of these athletes.
The man behind the success: Chinto Mordillo
The influence of Chinto Mordillo, president of AEMMA and WKN MMA, has been instrumental to the success of MMA in Spain. An experienced fighter, Mordillo’s leadership and commitment to the development of the sport has earned him recognition not only in Spain but also internationally. His contributions go beyond simply training and promoting fighters.
Mordillo is also the architect behind historic events such as the upcoming World Professional Wrestling Championship(Wkuworld) in Sicily, Italy, where Moroccan-Spanish fighter Mohamed Adnan (in photo) proudly represented Guadalajara. Adnan had an impressive performance, narrowly losing in the final on points to Italian wrestler Giuseppe Gennuso.
Mordillo’s work continues to push the boundaries of MMA as the action moves to Japan next week for a groundbreaking event in which he will become the first foreign promoter to host an MMA event in the country. This will be another monumental achievement for Mordillo and Spanish MMA. Mohamed Adnan will also compete in Japan, along with fellow fighters Zejna Krantic and Manuel Rodriguez. The event is set to solidify Spain’s place on the world MMA map.
A proud legacy for Guadalajara
For Mordillo, these achievements are more than professional milestones. They are deeply personal. “For me it’s very exciting, it’s a great achievement. I consider myself lucky to be the first foreigner to organize an event like this in Japan, and it is an achievement for Guadalajara because I consider myself an Alcarreño,” said Mordillo. He continued:“I love Guadalajara and I want my grandchildren, if I have them, to be from Alcarria”.
Mordillo’s pride in his roots is as strong as his commitment to his wrestlers. Over the years, he has seen the number of wrestlers at his academy in Guadalajara grow and remains dedicated to building a legacy for future generations.
Spain’s growing status in the MMA world
The growing recognition of Spanish fighters in international competitions highlights the rapid evolution of MMA in Spain. AEMMA, as a non-profit organization, has played a key role in this rise by promoting the sport on national and international platforms. The organization is made up of clubs, coaches, athletes and referees, all of whom work tirelessly to ensure the growth and development of the sport under a legal framework that complies with national and international regulations.
AEMMA’s ultimate goal is to establish an independent MMA federation in Spain, one that can stand on its own and fight for the rights of its athletes and coaches. In doing so, they hope to create a unified and regulated structure for MMA competitions, qualifications, training and refereeing. The organization understands that the unprecedented growth of MMA requires a cohesive system to ensure fair play and equal opportunity for all involved.
Building a strong MMA community in Spain
AEMMA is actively working to unite MMA clubs throughout Spain and encourages them to collaborate to build a stronger foundation for the sport. Each club is seen as a vital source of ideas and resources that can contribute to the overall growth of the sport. The association operates independently and is funded through annual membership fees, which are reinvested in developing the talent of its athletes and supporting various activities such as championships, training sessions and workshops.
Transparency is key to AEMMA, and the organization is proud of its ability to provide real opportunities for Spanish athletes to succeed both domestically and internationally. As a result of its efforts, AEMMA has become a respected body in the MMA world, with the ability to propel its fighters to new heights.
A bright future for Spanish MMA
As MMA continues its unstoppable growth, Spain is quickly emerging as a hub for top-tier talent. With athletes like Aitor Garcia, Alejandro Garcia and Mohamed Adnan leading the way, and visionaries like Chinto Mordillo at the helm, the future of Spanish MMA is brighter than ever. The dedication of organizations like AEMMA ensures that the sport will continue to flourish, providing a platform for the next generation of fighters to showcase their skills on the global stage.
The road ahead is full of promise and the Spanish MMA community is ready to take on any challenge that comes its way, both inside and outside the octagon.
