The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation have announced a three-year extension for the UAE to host the IMMAF Youth World Championships.
This announcement was made during a press conference in Abu Dhabi ahead of the 2024 IMMAF Youth World Championships, which will begin on August 6 at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. The press conference was attended by IMMAF President Kerrith Brown; His Excellency Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; His Excellency Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the Federation’s Mixed Martial Arts Committee; His Excellency Suhail Al Arifi, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at Abu Dhabi Sports Council; and Yaqoub Al Saadi, Head of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels.
Kerrith Brown noted that the upcoming Youth World Championships will be the largest in IMMAF’s history and expressed his happiness about the ‘IMMAF Road to Recognition’ campaign, which aims to include MMA under the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sports (AIMS), recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
« It is a great honor that the 2024 IMMAF Youth World Championships will take place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. I am also proud to announce that IMMAF and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation have renewed their partnership to host the IMMAF Youth World Championships here in Abu Dhabi for another three years, » Mr. Kerrith Brown said.
This will be the third consecutive year Abu Dhabi has hosted the event, following the 2023 and 2022 editions. The 2021 edition was held in Bulgaria.
His Excellency Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his limitless support of UAE sports and athletes. He also thanked His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for his patronage, which has been the cornerstone of the Championships’ success and solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as a global leading destination for hosting major sporting events.
His Excellency also highlighted Abu Dhabi’s leading status in hosting international sporting events and expressed his delight in extending the partnership with IMMAF for three more years.
« Hosting the previous editions of the Championships, Abu Dhabi has set a benchmark for organizing international sports events, offering an exceptional experience praised by the global sports community. The number of participating athletes and countries has increased by over 50 percent since 2022, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a leading platform for major events and a preferred destination for athletes worldwide, » His Excellency Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri noted.
The IMMAF Youth World Championship has changed the landscape of amateur MMA, providing a structured and safe pathway for young athletes to transition into senior categories. This year’s competition will be the largest in IMMAF history, featuring over 800 athletes from more than 45 countries.
The event precedes the IMMAF Asian Championships in Pakistan and the IMMAF Pan American Championships in Mexico, marking the start of a busy schedule for IMMAF.
