Local sisters Asia and Michelle Rialmo have qualified for the 2023 Youth Amateur MMA World Championships in Abu Dhabi. Read more about their journey and dedication to mixed martial arts.
Local Sisters Set to Compete in MMA World Championships
Asia and Michelle Rialmo, two talented sisters from the local area, have secured their spots to compete in the 2023 Youth Amateur MMA World Championships. The highly anticipated event will take place next month in Abu Dhabi, drawing in young fighters from around the globe.
Both Asia, aged 15, and Michelle, aged 12, have dedicated themselves to training and mastering mixed martial arts . Their passion and commitment have paid off as they recently participated in the U.S. National Championships/U.S. Youth MMA World Team Qualifier in Ontario on May 19. Their exceptional performances earned them the opportunity to represent the United States in the Youth Mixed Martial Arts World Championships organized by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation.
The Rialmo sisters come from a family of eight siblings, all of whom have been involved in martial arts for years. Their older sister, Adelina, competed in the world championships last year, while another sister, Genesis, made a name for herself by breaking several girls wrestling records for Yucca Valley High School.
Training at the Americana Jiu Jitsu Collective, owned by their parents in Yucca Valley, the sisters have honed their skills in various disciplines including wrestling, jiu jitsu, muay thai, catch wrestling, kickboxing, and judo. They are also active participants in the United States Fight League’s youth MMA program called pankration, where they adhere to stricter rules that prohibit head shots.
Asia, who placed second at the Ontario qualifier, is determined to secure a victory this year after earning third place in the previous championships. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed excitement about the upcoming experience and the opportunity to compete alongside her younger sister. Asia’s hard work and dedication have led her to success both in her sport and academically, serving as an inspiration to her younger siblings and others.
For Michelle, this will be her first time qualifying for the championships, and it coincides with her 13th birthday on the first day of the competition, August 2. She is thrilled to celebrate her special day by participating in such a significant event. Michelle expressed her excitement about traveling to Abu Dhabi, particularly because she will be accompanied by her family and, most importantly, her sister. She described the opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In order to support their journey, the Rialmo family is organizing a fundraiser car wash at the Americana Jiu Jitsu Collective on Twentynine Palms Highway in Yucca Valley. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon this Saturday, offering a hot breakfast for sale as well. Additionally, the family has set up a GoFundMe page to collect donations for the trip.
Stay tuned for more updates on Asia and Michelle Rialmo’s journey as they prepare to represent the United States at the 2023 Youth Amateur MMA World Championships in Abu Dhabi!
reference: www.hidesertstar.com
