As 2018 draws to a close, IMMAF president Kerrith Brown reflects on the achievements of the past 12 months and looks ahead to the coming year: Dear Members, Participants and Supporters, We can celebrate a monumental year for the global MMA community in 2018 as the International MMA Federation (IMMAF) and World MMA Association (WMMAA) successfully amalgamated in the best interests of the sport and its members. WMMAA president, Mr. Vadim Finkelchtein, joins me in championing the unification of these two formidable work forces, which together worked to achieve a record breaking and historic first Unified World Championships. As the groundbreaking Progression Scheme continues in its evolution, the hiring of new members of staff has taken this project to the next level. Their wealth of knowledge and expertise has been instrumental to the furtherance of youth development and sports policy. After the success of 2018, we cannot sit back. We must look to 2019 as a time to maintain our momentum and persevere despite all obstacles and discouragements. The triumphant amalgamation of 2018 enables us to continue in the pursuit of our vision to be recognised by GAISF; in 2019 by achieving GAISF observation status and seeing through our legal case against the World Anti-doping Association, as we campaign to be accepted as a WADA signatory. It is set to be an exceptional year for IMMAF – WMMAA championships as our annual calendar grows year-on-year in both the number and prestige of events. This growth is propelled by exceptional athletes and world class management, which has proved essential in maintaining the confidence of members. In 2019 we find ourselves embarking on a pivotal 12 months in which we focus on the longer term vision of 2028 and the Los Angeles Olympic Games. This year IMMAF and WMMAA will consolidate its new, unified board structure, which with good governance, transparency and fairness will lead the way to our ultimate goal. With our ongoing campaign for the global recognition and regulation of the sport of MMA, it’s going to be another busy year. On behalf of the boards of IMMAF and WMMAA, to all presidents, coaches, athletes, staff, volunteers and officials, I thank you for your continued support, confidence and loyalty, and for all that you have invested in the journey so far. We look forward to representing the international MMA community through 2019 as we move ever closer to achieving our shared vision. We wish you all peace, health and happiness for 2019. IMMAF President, Kerrith Brown.]]>
IMMAF President End of Year Message 2018
