BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THOUGH not one of the traditional or popular sports disciplines in St. Kitts and Nevis, the twin-island Federation has produced one of the top Mixed Martial Arts fighters (MMA) in the Caribbean.
He is Tija Stanley, the Federation’s first professional MMA fighter, who had recently successfully defended his Caribbean Ultimate Fist Fighting (CUFF) Middle Weight title (85 kilograms) in Trinidad last month.
It is a title that only Stanley holds since it was introduced some three years ago.
In an interview with SKNVibes, Stanley reminisced on the fight against Leyland Gomez.
“I thought the guy would have been a little better than he was talking. Training camp went well at Life Fitness Center, where they made sure I was well-conditioned, motivated. I couldn't do it without the Life Fitness Bigger, Better Athlete team of trainers.”
Stanley indicated that fans could expect more of the same from him in future competitions.
He explained how he celebrated the victory and indicated that he wishes to hold on to his title for as long as possible.
“I celebrated my victory by thanking everyone who had a hand in making it happen. As a professional MMA fighter, I currently hold the first Caribbean Ultimate Fist Fighting Middle Weight Title 85 kilograms. You can call it 185 pounds. No other man has won this title but me, and I'd like to keep it that way!”
Stanley however indicated that he was seeking male and female fighters to develop the sport in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“As for MMA in St. Kitts and Nevis, I'm looking for ladies and men who want to train and compete at the next level. I, as trainer and manager, will help lead the way for all those who want to experience the world’s fastest growing sport of MMA.
“If people are interested in just talking about the sport before coming in to learn at Life Fitness Centre, hit me up on Facebook Tija Stanley.facebook.com. Look for the shiny belt in the pictures.”
Stanley is a former heavyweight title-holder of the Caribbean Kickboxing Grappling Shou Federation’s (CKGSF) Caribbean MMA.
