Hasan Khan
Established in May 2019 in Warsaw, the MMA Polska Association was established to bring structure, integrity and good governance to amateur mixed martial arts in Poland. Inspired by a vision to promote combat sports education, foster a thriving amateur MMA community and cultivate a positive image of the sport, MMA Polska has swiftly emerged as a driving force in Poland’s martial arts landscape.
The federation owes its origins to Martin Lewandowski, the founder of KSW, one of Europe’s leading professional MMA promotions, whose two decades of industry experience have been instrumental in shaping MMA Polska’s mission and strategy. Supported by seasoned professionals, including top referee and coach Tomasz Bronder, and Vahagn Petrosyan, a pioneer in Polish cutmen services, the association has built a strong foundation rooted in expertise and passion.
Development and National Expansion
Following its establishment, MMA Polska quickly set about building a comprehensive national structure for amateur MMA. The federation assembled its first national team in 2019, starting with just three athletes. Today, the roster boasts over 20 fighters who have collectively secured nearly 70 medals at European and World Championships, reflecting the federation’s effective athlete development programs.
MMA Polska also revolutionised the domestic competition scene by organising some of the largest and most professionally managed amateur MMA events in Poland. The inaugural 2021 championships attracted close to 200 fighters; by 2025, participation has surged to over 1,000 athletes, including competitors from abroad..
National Recognition and IMMAF Membership
A cornerstone of MMA Polska’s progress has been its pursuit of formal recognition within Poland’s sporting framework and integration into the global MMA community. The federation’s sustained advocacy with the Polish Ministry of Sport culminated in a landmark achievement of official admission to the Polish Olympic Committee in 2024. This milestone established MMA as a formally recognised sport in Poland and unlocked access to vital institutional support and funding.
Parallel to its national efforts, MMA Polska aligned itself with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF). This affiliation has provided Polish athletes with access to internationally sanctioned competitions, a structured ranking system and adherence to global standards for safety, officiating and athlete development. Through IMMAF, the federation has been able to present a clear career pathway for fighters, from national championships to European and World titles, fostering motivation and raising the quality of competition.
The dual recognition by national authorities and IMMAF has solidified MMA Polska’s legitimacy as the official governing body for amateur MMA in Poland. It also positions the federation as a key stakeholder in the ongoing global effort to elevate amateur MMA and advance its inclusion in future Olympic programs.
Growth in Youth and Female Participation
MMA Polska’s trajectory has been marked by impressive milestones that highlight both competitive success and expanding inclusivity.
Youth participation has been a significant driver of this growth. Since introducing cadet divisions at the third national championship, younger athletes now constitute approximately 50% of competitors, illustrating the federation’s commitment to nurturing talent from an early age. This focus on youth development ensures a sustainable pipeline of skilled athletes ready to compete on international stages. At the 2024 IMMAF European Championships, MMA Polska fielded its largest-ever national squad, consisting of 21 athletes, who collectively secured 15 medals.
Female participation has also steadily increased, with women making up 10 to 15 percent of competitors in recent tournaments. MMA Polska actively encourages female involvement, supporting clubs and coaches to create welcoming environments and tailored training opportunities, helping to grow the sport’s diversity and broaden its appeal across Poland.
The upcoming 14th MMA Championships in 2025 will be a landmark event, the largest amateur MMA competition in Polish history, projected to attract over 1,000 competitors, further demonstrating the federation’s successful expansion and influence.
Contribution to the Global MMA Community
As a proactive IMMAF member, MMA Polska plays a vital role in advancing amateur MMA both regionally and globally. By consistently fielding large, competitive squads at European and World Championships, the federation elevates the quality and diversity of international contests, helping to push the sport’s competitive standards forward.
Beyond athlete performance, MMA Polska contributes significantly to the professional development of MMA personnel. Its certified referees, cutmen and medical teams participate not only in national but also international events. Using their expertise to reinforce the rigorous safety and fairness protocols essential to the sport’s credibility.
The federation actively shares best practices and collaborates in the creation of a European MMA federation, an initiative supported by IMMAF aimed at unifying and strengthening MMA governance across the continent.
Since its founding in 2019, MMA Polska has swiftly established itself as a professional and respected leader in amateur MMA, building strong national structures, growing a diverse athlete base and earning formal recognition from Poland’s sporting authorities and IMMAF. By prioritising athlete development, safety and inclusivity, the federation not only elevates Poland’s presence in international competitions but also actively contributes to the global MMA community’s growth and the sport’s path toward Olympic inclusion.
