The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) has released This Is Sport, a landmark publication that captures the data, stories, and progress driving the world’s fastest-growing combat sport.
Compiled by IMMAF’s Strategy & Development department, the report brings together federation participation data, medical research, gender representation, and sustainability initiatives — offering a first-of-its-kind look at MMA’s global footprint through evidence and storytelling.
At its core, This Is Sport demonstrates how IMMAF’s decade-long investment in governance, athlete welfare, and inclusivity is shaping a safer, more sustainable future for MMA. From over 150,000 athletes across 64 countries to new safeguarding policies and medical data showing injury rates halved since 2016, the findings reinforce IMMAF’s commitment to safety, structure, and accountability.
The report also shines a light on women in MMA, featuring powerful personal stories from athletes, referees, and administrators redefining leadership and representation in combat sports. According to global data featured in the report, female participation within IMMAF has grown steadily — from one in seven to one in five athletes since 2023 — reflecting the federation’s continued focus on gender balance and opportunity.
IMMAF’s newly introduced Sustainability Award is also highlighted, celebrating federations using MMA to drive positive social change, from Angola’s youth programmes to Uruguay’s national coat collection campaign, which won this year’s award.
IMMAF CEO Densign White said:
“This report is about more than our journey as a federation. It’s a contribution to the wider sports sector — sharing insights, data, and stories that help strengthen recognition and raise standards across all of combat sport.”
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown added:
“We’ve shown that MMA can be governed safely, inclusively, and with integrity. This report reflects that progress and the passion that drives it.”
This Is Sport was curated and authored by Shriya Popat, IMMAF’s Director of Strategy & Development, as part of the federation’s ongoing work to advance recognition, inclusion, and data-led governance across global MMA.
This Is Sport is now available to view here.
Because in sport, the score isn’t the only number that matters.
