terrific work of Ireland’s Ulster Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Association (UAMMAA), whose community efforts in the name of MMA has united youths from various conflicting backgrounds and promoted mutual respect and acceptance. Also this year, we saw two nations with an intense historic and sporting rivalry, India and Pakistan, unite to form a joint commission of MMA officials (pictured) for an India vs Pakistan MMA Championship in Dubai in February, under AIMMAA and PAK-MMA. Meanwhile, charity Fight For Peace harnesses the positive benefits that mixed martial arts can bring into participants’ lives through its youth development programme across 25 communities affected by crime, violence and social exclusion worldwide. IMMAF will be meeting for a second time with Fight For Peace in early 2016 to investigate ways in which the two organisations may work together. The close of a year typically brings a time of reflection: IMMAF believes in the sporting values that form the heart of MMA and promotes its development as an activity that is accessible to all for safe and appropriate participation. The IMMAF looks forward to another progressive year for the sport, in which its great capacity for fostering respect and friendship may be driven by its members to touch more peoples’ lives.]]>
