Hasan Khan
In a country known for its rich sporting tradition, the development of mixed martial arts in Morocco has become a story of leadership, resilience and strategic growth.
Establishment and Recognition
Established in September 2018 under the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan MMA Federation swiftly garnered formal recognition from both national sports authorities and the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, affirming its status as the sole governing body for mixed martial arts in the country. This early endorsement underscored the federation’s commitment to structuring and promoting MMA in alignment with national and international standards. A significant milestone was achieved in June 2019, when the federation became an official member of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), marking Morocco’s integration into the global MMA community and adherence to internationally recognized practices. Further solidifying its international standing, the federation played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Africa MMA Confederation (AMMAC) in September 2022, aimed at advancing the development of MMA across the continent and supporting IMMAF’s pursuit of recognition from the Olympic movement.
Foundations Built by Pioneers
Key figures from Morocco’s professional MMA scene, along with influential leaders from the broader combat sports community, played instrumental roles in shaping the federation’s foundation. Their combined experience and credibility helped unify the early MMA landscape in Morocco under one banner, providing legitimacy and momentum at a time when the sport was still finding its footing nationally.
Building the federation was not without its obstacles. One of the major challenges lay in clearing the sport’s landscape of opportunists, individuals seeking to capitalise on MMA’s rising popularity without contributing to its sustainable development. The federation’s leadership remained focused on structuring the sport responsibly, ensuring that development pathways, athlete training, and governance frameworks were aligned with the highest standards.
From Modest Beginnings to international Reach
Despite the significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Moroccan MMA Federation has grown from a small group of committed enthusiasts into a robust national body. Today, it oversees more than 70 registered MMA associations across seven regional leagues, covering almost the entire kingdom. The rapid expansion has been underpinned by a commitment to working within national sports regulations while aligning with internationally recognised governance models.
The federation’s work has not only increased the number of athletes but has also widened access to the sport. Growth among youth athletes and notably, among young women has been one of the federation’s standout achievements. Reinforcing MMA’s appeal as an inclusive as well as dynamic discipline for the next generation.
The Moroccan MMA Federation made its first ever team debut at the 2024 IMMAF World Championships, marking a historic milestone on the international stage. At the IMMAF General Assembly and Awards Ceremony in Tashkent, the federation was honoured with the “Best National Federation in Proactivity in MMA Sport Development” award, recognising its leading role in sustainable sport advancement. The accolade reflects Morocco’s growing commitment to structured, inclusive MMA development in partnership with IMMAF.
National Championships and Youth Development
Since its establishment in 2018, the Fédération Royale Marocaine du Sport de Combat Libre et Mixte has organized multiple national championships to foster the growth of MMA across Morocco. A significant milestone was the inaugural Morocco Youth National Championship held in Kenitra on 19–20 October 2024. This event brought together over 140 young athletes from various regions, with 20% being female participants, underscoring the federation’s commitment to inclusivity and youth development in the sport. President Hamza El Harchali highlighted the championship as a pivotal moment in setting new standards for diversity and inclusion within Moroccan MMA.
An International Partner in Progress
The federation’s affiliation with IMMAF has played a crucial role in shaping its strategies and operational frameworks. IMMAF’s global standards and development programmes have served as a guiding influence helping the Moroccan federation build a system that prioritises athlete welfare, sport governance and international competitiveness.
More recently, the federation marked another milestone by supporting the creation of Morocco’s first 100% Moroccan professional MMA league. Bridging the gap between amateur and professional platforms, creating new opportunities alongside offering a clear progression pathway for national athletes.
In its most recent Annual General Meeting, the Moroccan MMA Federation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the sport nationally. Key developments included the introduction of enhanced coaching certification programs aimed at standardizing training methodologies across the country. The federation also announced plans to expand youth engagement initiatives, focusing on talent identification and development at the grassroots level. Additionally, discussions were held on strengthening partnerships with international bodies to facilitate athlete participation in global competitions, reflecting the federation’s dedication to elevating Morocco’s presence in the international MMA sphere.
A Commitment to the Global MMA Community
Today, the Moroccan MMA Federation remains fully engaged with IMMAF’s broader mission to promote and develop the sport globally. As an active committed member, the federation contributes to the international MMA community not only through its athletes but through knowledge sharing, governance collaboration, as well as its steadfast support for IMMAF’s vision of structured, safe, and accessible mixed martial arts worldwide.
With its strong foundations, growing athlete base paired with a clear developmental roadmap, the Moroccan MMA Federation stands as a model of what can be achieved when national vision, grassroots energy and international cooperation align. As Morocco continues to build its reputation within global MMA, the federation’s journey offers an inspiring blueprint for the sustainable growth of combat sports across emerging nations.
