Luanda - The Minister of Youth and Sports, Rui Falcão, confirmed, on Friday, in Luanda, that the country will hold a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournament in April 2025.
Speaking to the press, after a reception of the Angolan fighter Demarte Pena, the minister said the amateur tournament would culminate in a professional fight for the athlete, if the agent and the promoting company do not see anything against it.
The minister praised Demarte Pena as a big name in the world, while the Sports Ministry is working to make him a reference at country level, having assured that the government will work with everyone to be treated fairly.
“We are the ones who have to elevate Pena and not the other way around, because he has already done for the country what an athlete should have done and it is up to the athlete to give back what he deserves”, he said. Regarding Pena's concerns, who are requesting support, the minister reiterated that they continue to work and will soon solve the issues.
“For us, it is a source of pride that Pena has many trophies of this nature”, the minister said.
Demarte Pena on his turn said he was pleased, once again, with the recognition in his homeland, which is why he awaits with great interest what he had discussed with the minister.
During his stay in Luanda, he promised to support the Angolan Federation of Mixed Martial Arts (FAMMA), and as a patriot, he felt obliged to present the trophy to President João Lourenço.
Demarte Pena presented his gold medal, recently won at the world championships in Abu-Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.
IN/VAB/CF
