Abu Dhabi Gears Up For The 5th Edition Of The IMMAF Youth World Championships

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation is finalising preparations for the fifth IMMAF Youth World Championships. Scheduled from August 6-10 at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, the event will feature over 800 athletes from more than 45 countries. This underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing role in the global Mixed Martial Arts scene.

During a press conference in Abu Dhabi, Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, and other officials discussed the event. They included Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member and Chairman of the Federation’s Mixed Martial Arts Committee; Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF; Suhail Al Arifi, Executive Director at Abu Dhabi Sports Council; and Yaqoub Al Saadi, Head of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels.

Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support of UAE sports. He also thanked H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his patronage, which has been crucial to the Championships’ success. "Hosting previous editions has set a benchmark for international sports events," he said.

Al Dhaheri highlighted that participation has increased by over 50 percent since 2022. This growth showcases Abu Dhabi as a leading platform for major events and a preferred destination for athletes worldwide. The national team is preparing intensively under top international coaches, aiming to build on past successes.

Kerrith Brown announced that IMMAF and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation have renewed their partnership to host the Championship for another three years. "It is a great honour that the 2024 IMMAF Youth World Championships will take place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan," he stated.

Brown also launched the ‘IMMAF Road to Recognition’ campaign. This initiative aims to include MMA under the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sports (AIMS), recognised by the International Olympic Committee. He emphasised promoting clean and fair MMA as IMMAF is recognised by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

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Suhail Al Arifi noted that this year’s Championships highlight Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for major sports events. "The Championships have seen significant growth since their inaugural edition in Italy in 2019," he said. He extended wishes for success to all participants and thanked everyone involved in organising the event.

Yaqoub Al Saadi added that these events embody Emirati creativity and innovation. "Hosting the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi for three consecutive years highlights its significance as a centre for mixed martial arts," he said. He credited teamwork and community support for each championship's success.

The event will be held under H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's patronage, reflecting trust from regional and international sports federations in Abu Dhabi’s ability to organise successful events. The city continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events.

With inputs from WAM