2016 IMMAF Africa Open Championships Announced for South Africa

·       JOHANNESBURG, 29 AUGUST – 4 SEPTEMBER 2016 The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is proud to announce in association with Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMASA) the 2016 IMMAF Africa Open Championships, which will take place from 29 August to 4 September 2016 in Johannesburg. Hosted and commissioned by IMMAF’s national counterpart, Mixed Martial Arts South Africa, the foundational continental tournament will be held at the Brakpan Indoor Sports Centre. Open to Amateur MMA competitors from IMMAF member countries from all across the world, the Africa Open Championships permits 2 representatives per country for each weight class, spanning Strawweight to Lightweight for women and Flyweight to Super Heavyweight for men. The 2016 IMMAF Africa Open Championships will feature on UFC FIGHT PASS and international broadcast channels, post-event. IMMAF President, Kerrith Brown, said: “2015 saw our first continental events take place with the first IMMAF Pan American and European Opens, which furthered opportunities for Amateur MMA athletes to engage in international competition. This year IMMAF extends its competition platform to include continental open events in other regions, commencing with the All Africa Open. South Africa is a hub for MMA on the continent and was IMMAF’s first African member. MMASA has provided a national team and officials for the IMMAF World Championships since their inception in 2014, with notable medallists including Amanda Lino (2014 Gold – Women’s Featherweight), Wessel Mostert (2014 Gold – Men’s Super Heavyweight) and Natalie Jean Ausmeier (2015 Bronze Women’s Flyweight). MMASA Vice president, Raymond Phillips, was voted to the IMMAF board at last year’s General Assembly. MMASA has been a much valued, contributing member of the IMMAF family that has made great strides in the development and promotion of MMA in its region. We are proud to announce MMASA, with its experienced team, as the host of this seminal event.” Competitor registration will open to members shortly via tournament management website, MyNextMatch To keep up-to-date with event information go to: http://www.immaf.org/immaf-events/