The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation has announced the final preparations for the fifth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships, set to take place from 6-10 August  at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. The event will feature more than 800 athletes from over 45 countries.

The announcement was made during a press conference in Abu Dhabi, attended Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; 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; Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF); 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.

During the press conference Al Dhaheri expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his limitless support of UAE sports and athletes.

The President of IMMAF Kerrith Brown. ACTION UAE
The President of IMMAF Kerrith Brown. ACTION UAE

"Hosting the previous editions of the Championships, Abu Dhabi has set a benchmark for organising 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 per cent since 2022, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a leading platform for major events and a preferred destination for athletes worldwide," said Al Dhaheri.

"We are delighted to announce the extension of the strategic partnership with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation to host the Championship for the next three years. This partnership reflects the confidence of the global sports community and solidifies Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading destination for international sporting events," added Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation.

Kerrith Brown, President of the IMMAF, said, "This year’s Championships, the largest in the history of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, feature the participation of more than 800 male and female athletes from over 45 countries, as it continues to grow annually. As the only amateur MMA organisation recognised by the World Anti-Doping Agency, we are proud to continue building the future of our sport by promoting clean and fair MMA."

Brown also expressed his happiness with the launch of the campaign, "IMMAF Road to Recognition", which aims to include this sport under the umbrella of the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sports (AIMS), recognised by the International Olympic Committee.