Paul Abraham
The 2026 IMMAF Youth World Championships got underway in Abu Dhabi on Monday, August 18. The first Youth D world champions were crowned on the opening day of competition, with over 1,250 athletes competing throughout the week.
Anthony Demellweek was one of the standout performers on Day 1. The English youngster won all six of his bouts to claim the Youth D 44kg world title. Four of his six wins came by submission, two via anaconda choke, one triangle choke and one rear-naked choke. Demellweek sealed the title with a unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Thiago Reyna Maldonado.
Lewis Green also delivered for Team England. After battling his way to the finals, the top 31kg prospect became a two-time IMMAF Youth World Champion with victory over Ivan Pozniakov.
Team USA’s Trinity Rouse truly lived up to her IMMAF One to Watch status. She opened her tournament with a unanimous decision triumph before submitting her next two opponents to claim the gold in the Youth D 48kg division.
Lebanon’s Sky Zgheib also impressed, submitting Mexico’s Aliseth Dayami Balderas Retama with a rear-naked choke to win the 27kg title decider.
Host nation Team UAE enjoyed an excellent opening day showcasing the nation’s youth MMA focus. Mohammed Shaikhan, Saqer Alnuaimi, Hind Alhashmi, Haya Bin Faris and Kaddy Sulaiman all claimed world titles, placing UAE at the summit of the Youth D medal table.
Ukraine also celebrated a strong opening day. Nazar Sokolovskyi first won the 37kg title, followed by Maksym Babiichuk securing gold at 52kg, and Vladyslava Zilonko completed the team’s haul in the 37kg division.
The surging England team finished the day with four world champions, second to UAE, while Lebanon celebrated an impressive three world titles through Elias Ghayad, Charbel Bou Serhal and Sky Zgheib.
Competition continues on Tuesday, with Youth C world titles to be decided in Abu Dhabi.
