Belgrade, Serbia – Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall
Dates: 14 – 23 February 2025
Event Categories: Masters, Senior, Junior & Youth Tournaments
Following the landmark 2024 IMMAF World Championships, the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) proudly kicks off the year with the announcement of its first major event: the 2025 IMMAF European Championships. This prestigious tournament marks the start of a three-year agreement, ensuring Belgrade remains a central stage for IMMAF’s European Championships in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
The 2025 event will be hosted at Belgrade’s Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall, where athletes from Youth, Junior, Senior, and for the first time, Masters divisions, will compete. The Youth divisions, running for the second consecutive year alongside Senior and Junior tournaments, will include the newly introduced Youth D category for athletes ages 10–12, a significant step forward for aspiring young fighters. The addition of the Masters category for athletes aged 35 and over marks a groundbreaking moment for IMMAF, as this division will now feature across all continental championships going forward. The Masters competition will follow a no-headshot policy, ensuring enhanced safety for the athletes.
The agreement also saw a tripartite Cooperation Protocol signed between the Belgrade Sports Academy, IMMAF, and the MMA Federation of Serbia (RSMMAF). This agreement represents a significant step toward further development of MMA in Serbia and the improvement of coaching and managerial staff at a global level.
The strategic partnership was formalized between Siniša Jasnić (Belgrade Sports Academy Council President), Kerrith Brown (IMMAF President), and Luka Nikolić (MMA Federation of Serbia President), with full support from key sports organizations.
The key Initiatives of the agreement are as follows:
- Defining professional and organizational standards to be implemented into training programs and curricula.
- Mandatory education and professional training for coaches and managers.
- Continuous education and licensing of staff to maintain high industry standards.
- Development of strategies to improve technology, sports equipment, nutrition, and other segments of MMA sport.
- Pooling resources from all partners to achieve shared goals and enhance cooperation between international and national organizations.
- Improvement of quality systems and business ethics, as well as ensuring necessary media promotion.
The agreement sets the stage for Serbia to host a Center for Research and Development of Martial Arts (CIBS), driving innovation in training, equipment, and nutrition. It also promotes global cooperation, creating growth opportunities for athletes and coaches.
Kerrith Brown, IMMAF President, had the following to say:
“The 2025 IMMAF European Championships in Belgrade marks another milestone for IMMAF and for the sport of amateur MMA. Serbia has proven to be an excellent host nation, having successfully hosted a World and European Championships in recent years. As we advance toward international recognition, events like this truly reshape the sport’s landscape. Having Youth divisions alongside Juniors, Seniors, and our newly introduced Masters category is a game-changer. It’s inspiring to see the next generation take their place on such a prestigious stage, and I’m confident Serbia will once again set the bar high for this pivotal event.”
Serbian MMA Federation President Luka Nikolić also stated:
“This is an opportunity that not only represents a significant step forward for our sport but also confirms that Belgrade is a true European city – a temple of combat sports and a leader on the European sports map.”
“Belgrade and Serbia have repeatedly proven to be exceptional hosts of major sporting events. The results speak for themselves – it is not always about what we say, but about what we demonstrate through our actions. When passion, effort, and dedication are behind the results, every word carries even greater weight.”
“We have set a high standard and will not stop here. With even greater enthusiasm, we continue forward! We are ready for new challenges, new opportunities, and new successes. See you in February – Belgrade awaits you with open arms and great hope for the future of our sport!”
For the latest on the 2025 IMMAF European Championships, follow IMMAF on social media or visit the official IMMAF website.
