The athletes who are selected after the trials will get a chance to participate in the National Championships.

The MMAFM initiative is for beginners and professionals but those wishing to attend must be a member of an affiliated club and training under a coach recognised by the MMAFM, apart from needing to meet medical and insurance requirements.

"At the building stage, it is important to have a well-established development plan providing a competitive platform helping to develop athletes from grassroots to elite levels," MMAFM President Ramotoul Avinash said.

"Trial programs help athletes to cross internal resistance, jump into the art of combat and showcase their talents.

"It also makes athletes more responsible at training and on various levels (nutrition, weight management, medical, etc.) as they will encounter challenges regularly.

"MMA in Mauritius is very promising, as people, especially the youth, are showing lots of interest.

"Every week we are having lots of new adherents in our regional clubs.

"The Mixed Martial Arts Federation Mauritius, duly recognized by the Ministry of Youth and Sport, follows the guidance of IMMAF for developing MMA in the most professional way with much humility, honour and respect.

"We believe in our vision and objective of bringing MMA to its highest level in the country."

In April, MMA was recognised by the country’s Ministry of Youth and Sport.

A total of five more trial sessions are planned for the remainder of the year.

Results at the National Championships will determine who will represent the country at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation World Championships.