Sabah promotes mixed martial art Jesselton Fight League as an attraction

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is coming up with another tourist attraction – the Jesselton Fight League (JFL).

The state is promoting this mixed martial art tournament to draw tourists to the Land Below the Wind.

Tourism and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) Sabah Office director Ag Ahmad Zaki Abu Bakar said foreigners can not only participate in and watch the tournament but also go on a holiday while they are here.

“It will indirectly help to boost Sabah’s tourism industry,” he said.

The tournament, which was held at the 1Borneo Shopping Mall, was organised by Sabah MOTAC with the Karabaw Martial Arts and Fitness Centre.

A total of 24 exponents from nine countries — Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam – participated in this year’s JFL edition.

Meanwhile, Karabaw Martial Arts and Fitness Centre Founder, Rayner Kinsiong, said JFL was established three years ago and was the only tournament in Malaysia which provided the opportunity for participants to collect points to participate in the World Series of Fighting Global Championship.

“However, this is the first time we are organising JFL with Sabah MOTAC and through this tournament, there could be more opportunities for young local talents in the MMA field,” said Rayner.

He said he had also discussed with Sabah MOTAC to hold the tournament on a large scale next year.— Bernama

Source: The Star