By Jorden Curran
In a powerful testament to Uzbekistan’s growing influence in global combat sports, the nation took first place in the 2024 IMMAF World Championships medal standings. Hosted from November 5-10 in Tashkent, the championship showcased Uzbekistan’s largest-ever MMA team, with an impressive 70 athletes across junior and senior divisions. This achievement follows Uzbekistan’s stellar performance at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where they won 13 medals, including 8 golds. The country’s success at both events highlights the commitment to excellence in combat sports and underscores the Uzbekistan MMA Association, support by Uzbekistan Sports Minister Afkham Ikramov, and the Uzbekistan National Olympic Committee.
Triumphing on Home Soil
After being hampered by visa issues at the 2023 IMMAF World Championships, Uzbekistan entered the 2024 competition determined to shine and realize the team’s full potential, especially as the host nation. Uzbekistan fielded their largest and most diverse team to date, comprising athletes from both male and female divisions, at junior and senior levels. Uzbekistan emerged at the top with 7 gold, 5 silver, and 18 bronze medals. The junior athletes (ages 18-20) brought home 4 golds, 4 silvers, and 10 bronzes, while the senior team (18+) contributed 3 golds, 1 silver, and 8 bronze.
Mirroring Olympic Success
Much like Uzbekistan’s Olympic delegation, which excelled in Paris with an unprecedented medal haul, the MMA team’s performance in Tashkent mirrored this success, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s position in the upper echelons of amateur combat sports. The IMMAF World Championships adds another layer to Uzbekistan’s sporting achievements and speaks to a sustained focus on training, development, and international competitiveness.
At the Olympics, Uzbek athletes rose to prominence in disciplines like boxing, judo, and taekwondo. Now, MMA is proving to be another pathway to global recognition. This success reflects the Uzbekistan MMA Association’s dedication to nurturing a generation of athletes who are not only excelling in MMA but also enhancing the country’s reputation as a combat sports powerhouse.
Champions at Every Level
Uzbekistan’s junior athletes excelled in Tashkent, with standout performances from gold medalists Xurshidaxon Rozikova, Muzayana Sadriddinova, Mirjalol Urolov, and Zafarjon Asatov. Their victories contributed significantly to the junior team’s impressive medal haul and are indicative of the robust pipeline of talent Uzbekistan is fostering in combat sports.
On the senior front, champions Zafar Rashidov, Asrorbek Anvarjonov, and Jamshid Tilyaev led the way. Rashidov marked his achievement with a symbolic gesture, leaving his gloves in the cage to signal his intent to transition to the professional ranks. This act underscores the role of IMMAF championships as a springboard for athletes aiming for professional MMA careers. Furthermore, Rashidov showcased his ability with perhaps the biggest individual win of the entire championships, as he produced a first round knockout stoppage in the semi-finals against number one seed Elias Erber, Austria’s 2023 World Champion and 2024 European Championships gold medalist.
Commitment to Women’s MMA Development
An outstanding feature of Uzbekistan’s campaign was its commitment to women’s MMA. Nine female athletes brought home medals, making up 30% of the team’s total medal count. This achievement reflects a significant focus on gender inclusivity and the Uzbekistan MMA Association’s dedication to building a well-rounded national program. Standout junior gold medalists Xurshidaxon Rozikova and Muzayana Sadriddinova not only contributed to the medal tally but also represented the potential for women in MMA to inspire future generations.
Building a Legacy in Combat Sports
With back-to-back triumphs at the Paris Olympics and the Tashkent IMMAF World Championships, Uzbekistan has firmly established itself as a rising force in amateur combat sports. The parallel success of the Olympic and MMA teams speaks to the nation’s strategic investment in building a world-class sports infrastructure, offering Uzbek athletes opportunities to excel on the global stage.
The Uzbekistan MMA Association, chaired by Bahodir Kurbanov, has worked tirelessly to develop the sport domestically and internationally, creating pathways for young athletes to progress from amateur to professional levels, and has been firmly supported by Uzbekistan Sports Minister Afkham Ikramov and the Uzbekistan National Olympic Committee. The IMMAF World Championships success serves as both a validation of these efforts and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes at the grass roots level.
As Uzbekistan continues its journey in the combat sports world, the legacy being built in disciplines like MMA, boxing, and judo is shaping a national identity of resilience, skill, and global ambition. With each victory, Uzbekistan is crafting a new chapter in sports history, demonstrating that its athletes are more than capable of matching—and even surpassing—elite competition worldwide.
