- 22 NOVEMBER 2015, WALSALL SPORTS CENTRE – UNITED KINGDOM
- INTERNATIONAL MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA) TOURNAMENT
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is pleased to welcome Jane Percy, Duchess of Northumberland, to the finals of the 2015 IMMAF European Championships of Amateur MMA at the Walsall Sports Centre, in the British Midlands. The Duchess will be awarding medals to finalists on 22 November as part of the closing ceremony. The finals mark the culmination of the international mixed martial arts tournament hosted by the only global governing body for MMA, which presents 200 athletes in 2 rings over 4 days. The national team vs national team event will be broadcast on UFC FIGHT PASS and international television. The Duchess is well known for the redevelopment of Northumberland’s The Alnwick Garden overlooked by the fortified Alnwick Castle; home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and to the Percy family for 700 years. Best known worldwide as the film location for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, the castle is an important part of British heritage. The redevelopment of the contrastingly contemporary gardens was driven by the Duchess in 1997 for social and community purpose, and the garden has in recent years hosted local mixed martial arts events. The Duchess herself is a practising martial arts enthusiast and has previously described her interest in MMA, citing how “it can be a force for good for so many people and communities”. IMMAF’s global calendar of competitions, that includes its annual World Championships at UFC® International Fight Week in Las Vegas, aims to help drive the development of MMA at the Amateur and grassroots levels, with ultimate goals of improved sport safety and one day, Olympic recognition. Jane Percy, Duchess of Northumberland, said: “‘I am full of admiration for the contestants who have reached this stage in the IMMAF European Championships. I am a great supporter of MMA and appreciate how much hard work, self-discipline and dedication each athlete has put into their sport. I wish them all the best of luck.” For further information contact [email protected]
