By Jake Smith
Earlier this week, the English Mixed Martial Arts Association (EMMAA) proudly announced that they will be shadow sanctioning the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s London Card on March 19th.
The opportunity will give EMMAA the chance to work alongside one of the most prominent global mixed martial arts promotions; gaining invaluable experience whilst simultaneously continuing the development of the federation as they work towards government recognition of the sport.
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown praised the efforts of the association in securing the agreement.
“On behalf of the IMMAF Board of Directors and CEO, I would like to congratulate the English Mixed Martial Arts Association (EMMAA) on their agreement with the UFC to shadow sanction the upcoming UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs Aspinall (UFC London) event on Saturday, March 19, 2022.
“I commend the entire EMMAA staff and volunteers and President Marc Goddard for their diligent work to progress the governance of MMA in England, working with key stakeholders such as the UFC to ensure development at all levels, including sanctioning.”
In the English Mixed Martial Arts Association press release, Acting Chairman Marc Goddard stated:
“This is a fantastic gesture and move by the World’s leading Mixed Martial Arts organisation the UFC. It shows their commitment and openness to ensure that both the safe and correct rollout of the sport is adhered to in a unified and recognised manner as well as allowing developing regulatory bodies the chance to cooperate and work alongside them. I would like to sincerely thank the UFC for allowing the EMMAA to be able to shadow sanction and gain from the experience and knowledge that they have in putting on World-class events whilst maintaining the highest of standards.”
The card features the best of the best from in and around the UK, including some extremely high profile IMMAF alumni. One of IMMAF’s most successful exports, Muhammad Mokaev, will make the walk to the UFC octagon for the first time in front of a home crowd when he faces Cody Druden in a Flyweight contest. Welsh sensation Jack ‘Tank’ Shore will also feature on the card as he looks to continue his impressive unbeaten run with a victory over Timur Valiev.
