Mexico has been making its presence felt in Abu Dhabi ©IMMAF

Mexico's team at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) World Championships here have explained the long journey they needed to take to reach Abu Dhabi.

The country has sent 17 fighters to the United Arab Emirates but there were no direct flights available.

"We couldn't have a trip with all of the team together," said head coach Danny Solorzano to IMMAF.

"Some of the guys went from Mexico to Canada, Canada to London, London to Istanbul and finally from Istanbul to Abu Dhabi. 

"Some other guys went from Mexico to Houston, Houston to Dubai and Dubai to Abu Dhabi."


Mexico's delegation turns out in force whenever one of their fighters is in the cage and they have already developed a reputation as the loudest team in the arena.

There was a significant result to celebrate today when Jorge Antonio Lopez eliminated flyweight World Cup champion Mansur Magomedov thanks to the Bahrain man retiring injured at the end of round one.

"The game plan is being really positive and having that energy," said Solorzano.

"We're practicing a lot of psychology."