ADCC President Marko Leisten is coming to Serbia

Serbia is preparing for a historic moment in the martial arts scene as Marko Leisten, president of the European ADCC federation, arrives in the country. His visit marks a key step in Serbia's efforts to bid for hosting the ADCC Europe, Middle East & African Trials in 2025 or 2026, one of the largest events in the world of submission fighting. Leisten’s visit is not by chance—he will attend the ADCC Southern Eastern Europe competition, which will be held on November 2 and is attracting an increasing number of registered competitors from over 30 countries worldwide.

Submission fighting is growing in popularity not only in Serbia but also globally. This martial discipline is gaining attention for its appeal and the celebrities who train in it, such as actors Keanu Reeves, Jason Statham, and Tom Hardy, as well as musicians like Travis Barker (Blink-182) and Maynard James Keenan. Their dedication to the sport helps increase interest in the discipline, while the ADCC event itself has the potential to further popularize this skill.

Moreover, some well-known athletes and personalities regularly compete in ADCC events, like Tom Hardy. Musician Zoltan Bathory, guitarist of Five Finger Death Punch, is also an active ADCC participant, showcasing his expertise and black belts in judo and BJJ. Rising star Nicky Rod (Nick Rodriguez) caused a sensation by winning silver at ADCC in 2019, while multi-time champion Gordon Ryan has become synonymous with dominance on the ADCC platform. Among the pioneers is former UFC fighter Mark Kerr, who became a legendary figure after winning multiple ADCC heavyweight titles, securing his place in martial arts history.

The support of major companies such as Telekom Srbija, Arena Channels Group - Arena Fight, FUJI Mats, Pitbull, Integraltechnic, Basic Supplements, and Magnetic System demonstrates the significance and scale of this competition in the martial arts world. Arena Channels Group (ACG) and Arena Fight, the region's leaders in combat sports, will once again ensure fans can enjoy the fights via live broadcasts, while Pitbull, a brand closely connected to submission fighting culture, will again provide support for athletes.

Serbia, therefore, is on the verge of becoming a significant spot on the global submission fighting map, and the arrival of Marko Leisten and the organization of the ADCC Southern Eastern Europe competition are likely just the beginning.

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