The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) landscape in Saint Lucia marked a significant milestone with the successful hosting of the Battleground Exhibition Classic at the Beausejour Indoor Facility on October 19. Despite adverse weather conditions and an approaching tropical wave, the event drew a respectable crowd, offering a glimpse into the island’s burgeoning MMA talent. This exhibition served as a precursor to the highly anticipated Saint Lucia Invitational Combat Sports Festival, scheduled for January 2026, and showcased the skills of local fighters. Winners of the preliminaries included Starr-Jay Aimable, Habakkuk Nestor, and Marvyn “Rome” Ernest, while Justice Joseph and Lilli Leclere triumphed in the main events. In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times, Macorliff Duvigneau, president of the Saint Lucia Mixed Martial Arts Federation (SLMMF), emphasized the event’s role in fostering the sport’s growth. ‘This was our introduction to Saint Lucia,’ Duvigneau remarked. ‘The event was a resounding success, and it allowed us to highlight our athletes’ capabilities. I believe we’ve laid a strong foundation for the future.’ Duvigneau also highlighted MMA’s potential to instill discipline and positivity among the youth, a mission he is committed to advancing. Two participants, Starr-Jay Aimable and Stephen Steele, shared their experiences, with Steele expressing his determination to improve after a competitive debut. Aimable, meanwhile, celebrated the event as a breakthrough for alternative sports in a region traditionally dominated by boxing. Regional and local officials have expressed optimism about MMA’s future in Saint Lucia, with the Battleground Exhibition Classic signaling the start of a promising journey.