Rafik Aleksanyan defeats Azerbaijani opponent and advances to IMMAF European Championship semifinals
- Author: Vahe Hakobyan
- Sportaran
Armenian MMA fighter Rafik Aleksanyan (61.2 kg) confidently advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 European MMA Championship held under the auspices of IMMAF. In the Youth A (ages 17–18) quarterfinal bout, he defeated Azerbaijani fighter Kanan Aliyev by unanimous decision, 30:27.
Representing the “Lion’s Heart” club, Aleksanyan fully controlled the fight. He dominated all three rounds, outperforming his opponent both in striking and grappling, leaving no doubt for the judges.
Earlier in the tournament, the Armenian athlete also secured victories over fighters from England and Slovakia, demonstrating consistency and a high level of preparation.
In the semifinals, Rafik Aleksanyan will face Italy’s Massimiliano Mazza. Regardless of the outcome of the next bout, the Armenian fighter has already guaranteed himself at least a bronze medal at the continental championship.
The 2026 IMMAF European Championship is taking place in Belgrade, Serbia, from February 5 to 15.
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