The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), a member of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA), has concluded its 2026 World Championships with the announcement that it will undergo a gap analysis against the Bronze-level requirements of SIGA’s Universal Standards on Good Governance in Sport.
Announced on the closing day of the Championships, held in Tbilisi from November 1 to 7, the initiative places governance reform alongside sporting achievement and gives practical expression to IMMAF’s commitment to strengthening the institutions responsible for the development of mixed martial arts.
The gap analysis will examine IMMAF’s governance arrangements against the Standards, identify areas requiring improvement and inform the actions needed to address them.It is a preparatory step toward achieving Bronze certification through the SIGA Independent Rating and Verification System (SIRVS).
Taking place during Sport Integrity Action Month, SIGA’s global campaign held throughout November, the announcement reflects the campaign’s central purpose: turning commitments to integrity into concrete action. It provides a further example of international federations recognizing the importance of implementing good governance practices and using SIGA’s Universal Standards as a framework for measurable improvement.
Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, Global CEO of SIGA, said:
“IMMAF’s decision sends an important message from the world stage of mixed martial arts: the standards expected of those who govern Sport must match the dedication demanded of those who compete. We welcome this commitment and the leadership behind it. A willingness to examine governance arrangements, identify areas of improvement and act on the findings is essential to building institutions worthy of athletes’ and stakeholders’ trust.
This can be a game changer for IMMAF. The value lies in the reforms the process enables and the evidence it provides of progress. During Sport Integrity Action Month, IMMAF is showing how an international federation can put its commitment into practice and encourage others to follow.”
Densign White, CEO of IMMAF, said:
“Our World Championships showcase the commitment and ambition of our athletes and national federations. As the international federation responsible for supporting their development, we must bring that same ambition to our governance.
Undertaking this gap analysis will help us understand where our arrangements meet SIGA’s Bronze-level requirements and where further work is needed. We want a clear basis for setting priorities, implementing improvements and preparing for independent assessment. For IMMAF, this is an investment in the confidence of our members, the protection of our athletes and the long-term development of mixed martial arts.”
SIGA’s Universal Standards on Good Governance in Sport provide a framework through which sports organizations can strengthen their governance and demonstrate implementation against defined requirements. The pathway allows organizations to identify gaps, undertake reforms and subsequently seek independent certification through SIRVS.
IMMAF’s announcement follows governance initiatives across other sports, including European Aquatics, which undertook a gap analysis before progressing to Bronze certification. These experiences demonstrate how a structured assessment can help sporting bodies translate governance priorities into practical institutional reform.
