President of the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF) Gavin Singh has applauded Carlston Harris for securing his name in local history following his commanding debut win in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on Saturday.
“Carlton Harris represents the true spirit of being a Guyanese (determined, strong and pure in heart) as he has personally pursued his dreams in a career in Mixed Martial Arts,” said Singh in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport.
“The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation is pleased with his achievement and we will continue give him the support he needs to be the conqueror in the Octagon,” he added.
According to Singh, who ascended to the helm of the association in 2020, Singh has ventured into uncharted waters.
“He has picked himself and gone to another country which specializes in the sport, trained well and has gotten his opportunity. We wish him the best and hope to give him the support he needs. “
Harris, who trains at the Renewal Fight Team in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, made history in his debut with the promotion, as he submitted Christian Aguilera in the preliminary matches of the UFC card in Las Vegas.
“You have to give Harris the full respect and encouragement which he deserves. He has worked hard and we are every bit pleased with the efforts he has made. The federation is looking to give support for future events both in the UFC and in any other promotions,” said Singh.
The Guyanese born athlete secured the win with the Brazilian jujitsu submission move, the anaconda choke/hold, at the 2:52 mark of the first round to etch his name in history by becoming the first Guyanese fighter to win in the promotion.
The 33 year old Harris improved his Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) record to 16-4, 1-0 in the UFC. The victory also continued Harris’s winning streak which now stands at four fights. The Berbician, who also competed in Shoto Brazil and Brave FC, is also 9-1 in his last 10 outings.
“Honorable Minister Charles Ramson Jr., has stated that he is committed to the development of the sport in Guyana and will aid in the whatever means himself and his ministry has available for the sport; both administratively and financially. The GMMAF is also receiving support from both the CMMAF and the IMMAF president Jason Frazer and President Kerrith Brown for the development of the sport in the region. We will have more athletes compete on the international stage.”
