Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian mixed martial arts, has been officially named an Ambassador for the IMMAF Technical Grading Scheme.
A celebrated pioneer of the sport, Nogueira’s career is marked by an impressive professional record of 34-10-1. As a former Pride FC Heavyweight Champion and Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion, he consistently competed at the highest level throughout his illustrious career.
Remarkably, Nogueira is one of only three fighters in MMA history to have held championship titles in both Pride FC and the UFC, a distinction he shares with fellow legends Mauricio Rua and Mark Coleman.
Since retiring from competition, Nogueira has shifted his focus to developing the next generation of mixed martial artists. Speaking about his partnership with IMMAF, Nogueira highlighted the importance of a structured grading system in MMA:
“For me, grading is an essential aspect of the martial arts culture in general and MMA in particular. In my mixed martial arts academy, I already implemented a structured system for beginners. I firmly believe in the value of seeing one’s progress materialised through a coloured rank (or belt) —it’s a powerful and tangible way to recognise hard work and improvement.”
“Moreover, this approach makes MMA much more accessible for practitioners. It helps shift the perception of MMA from being an overly tough or intimidating sport to one that highlights its technical dimension. Through this system, practitioners are encouraged to dive deeper into the details of each technique, progressing in precision and complexity as they move up the ranks.”
“This structured progression not only motivates individuals but also naturally integrates MMA into the broader family of martial arts. By emphasizing technique and structured learning, we align the discipline with the values and traditions that have defined martial arts for centuries.”
“In this way, MMA not only gains accessibility but also solidifies its identity as a true martial art—complete with its own path of mastery and development.”
Since the first days of foundation of IMMAF, international governing body for the development and promotion of mixed martial arts as a sport, there were a few visionists, who undoubtfully should be credited for the most of developments, which ever since happened to the sport of mixed martial arts for the sake of the future generations of practitioners of this sport.
One of them is former IMMAF President Bertrand Amoussou, a successful martial artist himself with an impressive background in Judo and Vale Tudor, who promoted mixed martial arts in its early days.
“Grading is a feature of the sports culture and its educational values in any and every martial art, regardless how tough this sport actually is at the professional level,” said Bertrand Amoussou.
IMMAF Development Director Andrew Moshanov underscored the significance of the grading system for both recreational and competitive athletes.
“Initially, we were promoting grading as a retention tool for recreational athletes as we launched the grading scheme a few years back. We also found it very well applicable to competitive athletes. Since we put the focus on youth development and hold annual Youth World Championships, we advocate the principle of the minimum technical standard, set for various age groups of young athletes. It has become an effective mechanism to avoid mismatch in skills, hence, IMMAF youth events are safe and IMMAF is fully adherent to the fundamental principles of amateur and youth sport.”
As part of its commitment to youth development, IMMAF has introduced a minimum technical standard for junior athletes aged 18–19. Beginning in January 2025, all juniors competing at IMMAF events will be required to meet the Blue belt level. This policy will debut at the 2025 IMMAF European Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
This initiative not only ensures fair competition but also emphasizes the importance of skill development and safety, aligning with IMMAF’s mission to elevate MMA as a structured and respected sport worldwide.
IMMAF youth events are safe and IMMAF is fully adherent to the fundamental principles of the amateur and youth sport.
As the young athletes (under the age of 18) grow and continue to compete in the next age group of juniors (age 18-19), it was decided that the minimum technical standard of Blue belt (level) will be applied for juniors (age 18-19) at all IMMAF events from January 2025. This policy shall start from the European Championships in Belgrade (Serbija) 14-22 February, 2025.
As a reminder: only IMMAF-certified coaches can conduct the grading of athletes.
Over the last five years, MMAF provided numerous opportunities to all national federations worldwide to have their coaches certified. For those nations, which still do not have any certified coaches, but consider their junior teams for participation in continental and World Championships, IMMAF will provide two options:
- Coaching certification courses shall be offered two days prior to the European Championships and all other continental championships during 2025.
- Alternatively, a grading exam will be conducted on the registration day by the members of the IMMAF Coaching commission for all athletes without minimum grade before they can be approved in the brackets and included in the draw.
More information on the coaching certification and minimum technical standards:
