ABOUT IMMAF
We are the global body for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), the world’s fastest growing sport with an estimated 449 million followers worldwide.
Furthering development
IMMAF is focused on developing MMA as an international sport, from the recreational level to the elite, driving the development of common sets of rules, safety regulations, structure, progression pathways and mutual exchange.
MMA is no different to other sports
For its positive growth, there is a need to support the grass roots movement of recreational athletics, alongside the creation of opportunities for a world class, amateur sports movement.
Furthering recognition
IMMAF is focused on gaining worldwide recognition for the sport of MMA. Official recognition is needed on every level – regional, national and global – to enable safeguarding, minimise risk and to increase opportunities and benefits for the sport’s participants.
Through our support we hope to see an increasing number of national federations achieve government and National Olympic Committee recognition, as well as support from their other significant sports organisations. Informal recognition is also important and the IMMAF works continually to improve the image of amateur and recreational MMA in the eyes of the general public, sports fans, journalists, politicians and businesses alike.
Organizing national federations
IMMAF provides a structured community for its member national federations. It provides rules, regulations and governance, structured progression pathways, educational systems and licensing, which are developed democratically through IMMAF elected board, expert committees and member platforms (e.g. General Assemblies, Technical Seminars and other forums).
In countries in which there are no existing national MMA federations, IMMAF supports those who are able and dedicated to form such a federation.
Enabling international competition
IMMAF organises elite amateur nations tournaments all over the world, through its flagship World and Continental Championships for Seniors, Juniors and Youths from the ages of 10 years upwards.
IMMAF Championships bring together National Teams from member federations all over the world, creating a hub and platform for ongoing sport development.
Our Vision
Our vision is for Mixed Martial Arts to be recognised as a sport and ultimately become an Olympic sport.
Becoming an Olympic sport is the ultimate achievement and highest formal recognition possible for any sport. Recognition is even more critical for the safeguarding of MMA’s participants worldwide. The challenges for MMA are great, but so are the opportunities, and the sport should have no lesser ambition.
We take our purpose and vision seriously and pledge to safeguard the trust invested in us by our national federations, as well as that of all other stakeholders of the sport. We endeavour to earn this trust through our actions and by clearly communicating what the IMMAF brand stands for. Our promise is to at all times deliver upon being Open, Dependable and Progressive.
Open
- IMMAF is a democratic organisation based on the foundation of open, honest and collaborative practices. This applies to everything from elections and governance to everyday tasks and discourse.
- IMMAF is a non-profit organisation driven by the purpose of developing MMA as a sport, not the demands of return on investment. Our books are open for anyone to see.
Dependable
- IMMAF is a stable organisation that provides structure for the growth of international MMA.
- IMMAF is a skilled organisation with knowledgeable representatives that always act in a professional manner.
- IMMAF is an autonomous organisation that can be trusted to act only in the best interests of the sport of MMA.
Progressive
- IMMAF is a modern organisation committed to developing MMA as an international sport, from the recreational to elite level, supporting the establishment of regulation and best practice.
- IMMAF is a dedicated organisation with the ability to engage MMA stakeholders around the world.
- IMMAF is a driven organisation with the vision necessary to bring MMA into the future.
ORGANISATION
IMMAF is registered as a non-profit organisation under Swiss law and upholds the strictest guidelines on democracy and openness. The following comprise the bodies of IMMAF:
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the meeting attended by all the Delegates of the Members of IMMAF. It is the organisation’s supreme and legislative body.
The General Assembly convenes at least once a year at the Annual General Meeting, and is responsible for the periodic election of the President, the Board of Directors, the Arbitration Committee and the Financial Audit Committee. Any representative of a National MMA Federation can stand as candidate to the presidency of IMMAF subject to his/her Federation being a Full Member of IMMAF and that he/she has never incurred any criminal conviction that could harm IMMAF reputation and/or interests.
Board of Directors
Headed by IMMAF President, the Board of Directors is the volunteer led executive body of IMMAF. See here for information on the current Board of Directors.
Administration
The task of the administration is to implement the decisions made by the General Assembly and the Board of Directors, and carry out all the administrative duties of IMMAF, under the supervision of the President or his/her designee.
Technical Committees
IMMAF’s specialist committees and commissions include its Arbitration Committee, Ethics Commission, Disciplinary Committee, Financial Audit Committee, Nominations Committee, Regulatory Affairs Committee, Coaching Committee, Medical Commission, Anti-doping Committee, Athletes Commission, Business Development Commission, Coaching Commission, Communications & Marketing Commission, Competition Bidding Commission, Women’s Commission and Youth Development Commission. See more about IMMAF committees.
Volunteers
Being a non-profit organisation the IMMAF relies heavily on volunteers for carrying out day-to-day tasks as well as aiding in the development of the organisation. The governance of the organisation is carried out by the president and the board pro bono.
