Pictured: GEMMAF & GAMMAF heads meet in Germany. The two existing governing bodies for mixed martial arts in Germany have reached a verbal agreement committing to future cooperation between the two organisations. IMMAF affiliate, GEMMAF (German Mixed Martial Arts Federation), and WMMAA affiliate, GAMMAF (German Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Federation), first held talks on June 18 in Bucharest, during the week of the 2018 IMMAF European Championships. Discussions became a requirement this year as only one national organisation can be recognised following the amalgamation of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and the World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA). GEMMAF president Clemens Werner (Pictured above, second left) has since confirmed that further talks in Germany have resulted in an agreement for the two organisations to cooperate in their respective efforts for the development of German MMA, with a view to merging. Speaking to IMMAF.org, Werner stated: “GEMMAF and GAMMAF recognise that competing against each other isn’t the right way to forward the sport of MMA in Germany. Therefore, we agreed on settling our disputes, working together and ultimately merging in the future. We know that this is a huge step for the sport in Germany and we see a lot of opportunities, as the sustainable development of MMA in Germany can only be made possible through uniting forces.” On 19 July, IMMAF CEO Densign White attended a meeting between the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DSOB) and GEMMAF about the progression of recognition for MMA in Germany. About GAMMAF (formerly under WMMAA) Governmental sport recognition requirements in Germany stipulate a minimum 0f 8 member regions and 6,000 members of a representative, non-profit organisation. There can be only one internationally recognised federation in the country. Currently, 4 regions are affiliated to GAMMA, with 120 participants taking part in their National Championship MMA Championships. GAMMA educates referees and cutmen, has a ringside medical association with trained and licensed doctors and paramedics, and enjoys a strong relationship with local professional promoters. The GAMMAF medical association is conducting research into concussions, while the federation is in communication with their NADO to become a member. GAMMA is well funded and financially self-sufficient. ABOUT GEMMAF The GEMMAF voluntary team consists of 4 board members, around 15 voluntary employees and 20 experienced officials. GEMMAF claims 30 gyms as associates as the eldest and biggest MMA federation in Germany and reports encouraging meetings with the German Olympic Committee, most recently joined by IMMAF CEO Densign White, chasing the goal of national recognition for MMA. GEMMAF’s work has included the creation and enforcement of unified rules and regulations in accordance with IMMAF Standards and is consistent with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. GEMMAF is working to enforce medical and safety regulations and has developed the beginnings of sanctioning UFC events in Germany with GEMMAF officials officiating at UFC Fight Night in Hamburg on July 22. The federation organises and sanctions MMA events to offer more opportunities for athletes to compete within a safe, fair and regulated environment, and sends athletes and officials to participate in IMMAF tournaments in order to give them international experience.]]>
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