An IMMAF delegation including IMMAF President Kerrith Brown, IMMAF Board Member Bertrand Amoussou and IMMAF CEO Densign White, held the first meeting with newly elected President of the French Boxing Federation (FFB) Dominique Nato to discuss the ongoing evolution of MMA in France under the “French Martial Arts Federation” FMMAF.
The FMMAF was created by the French Boxing Federation’s Executive Committee with the agreement of the General Assembly, to ensure the representation, management and coordination of MMA activities, in accordance with the provisions of the ministerial order of 31 January 2020 granting the delegation of MMA provided for in Article L. 131-14 of the Sports Code to the French Boxing Federation and in accordance with the statutes and regulations of the French Boxing Federation.
President Nato, who was joined on the conference by members of the working group tasked with the implementation of Lionel Brezhephin and Jean-Baptiste Marsaud discussed the progress of setting up the structures of FMMAF, which have been hampered by the Covid-19 crisis, and announced that a General Assembly including elections of an FMMAF Executive Committee were planned for September 2021.
Another key discussion was regarding plans for a French competition system (based on regional, then national qualifications) which would allow French teams to be selected for IMMAF Championships. President Nato, who has been a French amateur and professional champion, national trainer and national technical director in boxing, wants a system in France that is rigorous and which will select competitors who have proven talent and form and who will competing for medals.
Above all, President Nato stressed the full commitment of the FFB to making MMA a credible and respected sport in France which would put athlete welfare first and appeal both to recreational participants and serious competitors. In conclusion, he affirmed his commitment to work hand in hand with IMMAF to ensure delivery of the mission entrusted to the French Boxing Federation by the French Ministry of sport last year.
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said: “We were very impressed by the energy and drive of Dominique Nato and his determination to show that FFB was chosen by the Ministry for a reason – because they have all the skills, structures and ideas to take MMA in France to the next level of growth. IMMAF will work closely with the FMMAF working group to develop our sport in France and we are looking forward to welcoming French coaches, officials and athletes at our major events, hopefully by the end of 2021.”
