As President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, I am proud to have returned to the UAE for the fourth time in our history.
This Championship marks the third year running that the Youth World Championships have taken place in collaboration with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation.
With 850 athletes from 47 countries and after 1137 fights, this is officially the biggest event in IMMAF history and we just keep growing from there!
It is also a huge honour that the 2024 IMMAF Youth World Championships took place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to His Excellency Abdulmunem Al Hashmi, President of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; His Excellency Mohamed Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the UAE MMA Committee; and the Department of Culture and Tourism for their invaluable support, without which this Championship would not be possible.
On behalf of the IMMAF Board of Directors and our CEO, I would like to also extend our gratitude to Mohammed Al-Hosani, the UAEMMAF team, and Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their extensive efforts to facilitate these Youth World Championships here at the Mubadala Arena.
We are grateful also for the support of UAE NOC and General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare.
Also, we share our appreciation to our amazing sponsors, UFC, BRAVE Combat Federation, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, UAE Ministry of Interior, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Sports Channels, PureHealth, Palm Sports, RDX, Cell Nutrition and many more. Their support has been paramount to the success of these Championships.
As the biggest global Youth World Championships for MMA once again take place under our organisation, it is important to remember that our athletes are the heart of the IMMAF family.
They are our ambassadors on and off the field of play. They are the living embodiment of the core values which makes MMA such a powerful tool for change around the world.
The IMMAF Youth World Championships are without a doubt one of IMMAF’s main flagship events, bringing together competitors from all five continents, to promote cultural and educational exchange.
Together, we will always use this platform to promote unity across all cultures, backgrounds, genders, and beliefs, to show the world that MMA is the greatest power to promote positive change
There is no room for discrimination of any kind in this organisation or our sport.
We must give a fair chance to each and every individual, especially our youth, without any political agendas.
The athletes are the heart of the MMA community and are the next generation to change the perception of the sport so that one day we will be recognised rightfully as a deserved member of the Sport Accord under the IOC.
To the UAEMMAF, we greatly appreciate your hospitality and your support for the development of MMA globally.
As the only Amateur MMA body recognised by the World Anti-Doping Agency, we are proud to continue building the future of our sport by promoting clean and fair MMA.
Last but certainly not least, on behalf of the IMMAF board, I want to thank the IMMAF and UAEMMAF staff & volunteers, referees and judges and everyone involved at every level.
Your tireless and diligent work has allowed for this to become one of the most prestigious Championships to date. And to create so many beautiful memories in this event was truly amazing especially with the interaction of the mix zone area.
This event stands as a milestone in our great history. I applaud athletes, coaches, presidents and National Federations & supporting parents who have travelled here to Abu Dhabi.
I wish everyone involved the very best and a safe journey home, but most importantly, I wish to celebrate the fact that we came together again as a family. It was an amazing event, with some amazing memories and the kids were all fantastic performers.
I also want to give a special thanks to all those in the past that have been involved in building IMMAF to where we are today. A big thank you for everything that you have contributed and the tireless work has not been forgotten.
As we continue to create the pathway for the next Generation, we are building the future and staying strong together.
PS. also don’t forget, we have another 3 years in Abu Dhabi, which has recently been announced, so see you all next year as we continue the journey in this amazing sport.
Thank you All
A Very Proud President
