By Frank Bonada During a relatively quiet week for MMA, France’s Delphine Benouaich took center stage, extending her impressive winning streak since turning pro in March 2024. An eight-fight IMMAF veteran, Benouaich came tantalizingly close to clinching a Senior World title at the 2023 IMMAF World Championships. After defeating three opponents, including the skilled Spaniard […]
By Frank Bonada Finland’s Sani Brännfors has solidified her status as a dominant force in amateur MMA, holding both IMMAF Youth and Junior World titles, along with an impressive 12-1 record. Yet, despite her success, the pinnacle of amateur MMA remains just beyond her reach. Finland has emerged as a rising force in the IMMAF […]
By Frank Bonada In the second instalment of the IMMAF Pathways series, we delve into the inspiring journey of Belgium’s Patrick Habirora—a dynamic welterweight whose amateur success has transitioned seamlessly into a highly promising professional career. Overcoming Early Setbacks Despite the dominance Habirora now showcases in the cage, his early IMMAF days were filled with […]
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is proud to announce a new initiative that empowers athletes to provide valuable feedback on their event experiences. Athletes competing at IMMAF events will now have the opportunity to share their insights, helping shape future improvements. The athlete feedback survey, spearheaded by IMMAF Development Consultant Jorden Curran in […]
We’re five weeks away from Uzbekistan. How are you feeling? We hope you’re building up your energy levels to be at the top of your game in November. Wondering how your body creates and maintains constant energy? Our partner would like to talk to you about ‘mitochondria’. Mitochondria are tiny compartments located within the cell. […]
The French Mixed Martial Arts Federation (FMMAF) has seen remarkable growth across multiple fronts during the 2023/2024 season, further solidifying its position as a leading force in European MMA. From a surge in licensed fighters and technical grades to an increase in competitions and impressive national team performances, FMMAF continues to lay a strong foundation […]
By Frank Bonada After emerging as one of the breakout stars of 2023, newly crowned IMMAF Junior World Champion Yana Shelemba has her sights set on capturing a second World Championship gold medal in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The 2023 IMMAF World Championships featured a host of incredibly talented returning athletes, including the likes of Otabek Rajabov […]
By Frank Bonada In the first week of October, two former IMMAF Champions made waves with statement victories, continuing their ascent in the professional MMA scene. At Octagon 64, two-time IMMAF World Champion Yersultan Shakenbay delivered an impressive pro debut. The Kazakh flyweight squared off against Dastan Kanybek Uulu in a fiercely contested flyweight bout […]
By Frank Bonada After an extraordinary year of competition in 2023, Bahrain’s Gadzhi Gadzhiev is once again poised to compete for the highest accolades in amateur MMA as he prepares for the 2024 IMMAF World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Gadzhiev, already one of the most decorated athletes in IMMAF history, is looking to cement his legacy further […]
By Frank Bonada Two former IMMAF champions are set to clash in the pro ranks as Magdalena Czaban (Poland) vs. Hope Holmes (USA) has been officially announced for Invicta 58. This highly anticipated matchup between two rising stars in women’s MMA promises to be a thrilling showcase of elite talent, cultivated through their time on […]
Last week, our partner illustrated some of the most common challenges facing athletes. Today, they’re shining the light on the ultimate issue: dehydration at the cellular level. Struggling to perform at your best lately? Do you always feel fatigued, get cramp and take long to recover? Dehydration is the likeliest culprit. Dehydration can negatively impact […]
By Frank Bonada At just 16 years old, Slovakia’s Mirko Mlyncek has firmly established himself as one of the latest rising stars of Youth MMA. The reigning IMMAF European Champion in the Youth A 61.2kg division, Mlyncek most recently secured bronze at the 2024 IMMAF Youth World Championships. In an interview with IMMAF, Mlyncek shared […]
By Frank Bonada The last week of September saw a number of IMMAF alumni claim victories across the professional world of Mixed Martial Arts. France’s Axel Sola, a true veteran of IMMAF competition and now one of the top European prospects in pro MMA, was in emphatic form at ARES 25. The former multi-time IMMAF […]
Training hard for the tournament in Uzbekistan or an upcoming fight? We know that intense training can take its toll on the body and mind. Our partner recognises this too, and they’re sure you’ll have experienced challenges at some point that have affected both your performance and overall fitness. They’ve identified some of the most […]
By Frank Bonada Reigning IMMAF Sr. Featherweight World Champion Elias Erber will be looking to retain his title at the 2024 IMMAF World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. One of the most accomplished athletes on the current IMMAF roster, Erber’s run of dominance over the past two years has solidified his status as one of amateur […]
It’s Week 2 and we’re ready to introduce the science of what makes you perform at your best. Our partner has shared some enlightening education on the building blocks that make up your body – your cells. Your body is composed of 100 trillion cells. They provide structure, enable the absorption of nutrients, excrete waste, […]
At IMMAF, we’re dedicated to looking after your well-being. Your fitness and safety, whether in training, competitive matches or your everyday life, is our top priority. Eighteen months ago, we started on a journey to select a solution that truly nurtures your fitness and aids you with optimal hydration, deep sleep, enhanced recovery and brain […]
We are delighted to announce that Daniyal Shamkhalov has agreed terms to become IMMAFs Lead Safeguarding Officer. The 25-year-old attended IMMAF’s Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi as part of the Safeguarding staff and will now Lead on IMMAF’s approach to safeguarding for future events. A graduate from Uppsala Universitet with a Master of Law, […]
By Frank Bonada Former IMMAF European and World Cup Gold Medalist Cecilie Bolander is set for the biggest test of her pro career to date as she takes on former UFC fighter Lucie Pudilová in a No.1 contender bout at OKTAGON 61. Scheduled for September 21st, this highly anticipated matchup will determine the next top […]
By Frank Bonada Former IMMAF Youth World Champion Raul Rosas Jr. has once again etched his name into the history books, this time at UFC 306, where he became the first fighter to secure a victory at Las Vegas’ cutting-edge venue, The Sphere. The 19-year-old standout claimed a unanimous decision win over China’s Aoriqileng, adding […]
By Frank Bonada Former IMMAF medalist and Austrian Mixed Martial Arts Federation representative Bogdan Grad has officially signed with the UFC, following a standout performance on Dana White’s Contender Series 2024: Week 3. Born in Romania, Grad represented his adopted home of Austria throughout his IMMAF career, where he established himself as one of Europe’s […]
By Frank Bonada Day 6 of the 2024 IMMAF Pan American Championships concluded in spectacular fashion, with athletes from across the Americas battling for the coveted title of Pan American Champion. In a thrilling day of finals, Teams USA, Mexico, and Brazil dominated the podium, whilst Uruguay, Peru and Jamaica Team USA impressed across both […]
By Frank Bonada Day 5 of the 2024 IMMAF Pan American Championships saw the next generation of South and North American amateur MMA athletes go head to head for a spot in tomorrow’s finals. Team USA got off to a strong start, with Irann Orozco leading the charge in the Women’s Junior Atomweight division. She […]
By Frank Bonada On Day 4 of the 2024 IMMAF Pan American Championships, fans from around the world tuned in to witness the rising stars of Pan American MMA showcase their talents in front of a lively Mexican crowd. The action kicked off with the first Junior bout of the tournament, where Alejandro Cantu Rodriguez […]
The finals of the 2024 IMMAF Asian Championships served fans with the finest action in amateur MMA this Thursday, August 22, in Lahore, Pakistan. And the women involved stole the men’s thunder putting on amazing shows and being the highlight of the final day of competitions. Starting in the Atomweight division with Bano Butt, from […]
The excitement for the premier amateur tournament in Asian MMA continues at an all-time high, with 38 bouts taking over Lahore, Pakistan, with several incredible performances highlighting the truly growing technical prowess of Asian amateur athletes. The festival of stoppages was led by 2023 Asian champion, Tajikistan’s Ibrohim Rahimzod (pictured), who had a picture-perfect spinning-back […]
After two bouts made up Day 1, the 2024 edition of the Asian IMMAF Championships began in earnest with 33 matches taking fans all over Asia with a series of displays from the continent’s finest young athletes, assembled in beautiful Lahore, Pakistan. Tajikistan were the big winners of Day 2 with 11 overall victories, including […]
After five fantastic days of fighting, the third IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi came to a close with an exhilarating final day. Finalising the Youth A category, we saw Serbia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic claim their first medals of the tournament, whilst South Africa and Spain claimed their first gold. Girls Kicking […]
As President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, I am proud to have returned to the UAE for the fourth time in our history. This Championship marks the third year running that the Youth World Championships have taken place in collaboration with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. With 850 athletes from […]
In the penultimate day of the Youth World Championships, our fighters put on one hell of a show. The Youth A category athletes took to the fighting area in style as teams from across the world showcased their talent. We had first medals of the competition for Spain, South Africa and Finland, and we enjoyed […]
The IMMAF Youth World Championships returned for another day of fighting action at the Mubadala Arena as the rest of Youth B took to the ring. 34 more medals were up for grabs, and our athletes didn’t disappoint. We had first medals of the tournament for Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as a […]
After an action-packed opening day, the Youth World Championships returned to the Mubadala Arena for another scintillating flurry of fights. Our athletes from the Youth B category took to the ring from 10am until 5pm to earn their chance at stardom. A further 26 medals were handed out during today’s proceedings. Ukraine reached the podium […]
We had an action packed first day of the IMMAF Youth World Championships which was filled with excitement, elation, heartbreak, sportsmanship, and talent. Athletes from over 19 countries, within Youth group C, took to the ring between 10am-6pm to fight it out for glory in the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. A spectacular opening ceremony […]
Taylor Ellis will land in Abu Dhabi for the IMMAF Youth World Championships with plans of becoming the most dominant champion in Youth Amateur MMA Taylor Ellis is not your regular 17-year-old. She is one of the biggest MMA prospects in the United States and her resume speaks for itself. A two-time IBJJF Blue Belt […]
Gisela Luna Fortes Anastacio is hoping to rise as the next big thing in African MMA as she prepares for the IMMAF Youth World Championship The Mixed Martial Arts Ecosystem in Africa has seen a huge boost over the years due to the work of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF). The introduction of […]
On July 28, UAE Warriors 52, one of the leading MMA platforms in the MENA region, provided a stage for an extraordinary display of martial arts prowess. The event featured six IMMAF alumni, including four former world champions, one European champion, and one seasoned veteran. Under the watchful eyes of IMMAF President Kerrith Brown and […]
The International Mixed Arts Federation is delighted to announce that Team Sweden veteran, Daniyal Shamkhalov, will attend the 2024 IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, UAE, as a Safeguarding Officer appointed by the IMMAF Safeguarding Commission. Daniyal, 25, is a member of the IMMAF Athletes Commission and retired from competition in 2022. He remains […]
The 2024 IMMAF Pan American Championships in Monterrey, Mexico, will include Youth Tournament for the first time in the continental event’s history. The 2024 IMMAF Pan American Championships will make history by introducing its inaugural Youth Tournament, following the example set by other continental tournaments like the IMMAF Asian, African and European Championships. Scheduled to […]
The stage was all set for Matias Monteiro to unify both African Featherweight titles. But an injury prevented his crowning moment, which opened the way for Jeremie Likobele to be the star of the last day of competitions for the 2024 IMMAF African Championships. Also coming in to unify his division, after winning Junior Lightweight […]
Day 3 of the 2024 IMMAF African Championships was full of expectations in Windhoek, Namibia, as the promised Champion vs Champion between 2023 Flyweight champion Damian Muller and 2022 & 2023 Bantamweight champion Maurio Silva didn’t disappoint. With a dominant performance, Muller came out victorious with a second-round TKO. Against an original Bantamweight, not only […]
The writing had been on the wall since Draw Day, but Damian Muller (pictured above as the winner) nevertheless made it official. With a stunning win over Zambia’s Jonathan Banda, the reigning African Flyweight champion from the host country Namibia will now face Maurio Silva in the quarter-final of the 2024 IMMAF African Championships. Silva, […]
When Gisela Luna (pictured with gold medal) used her slick jiu-jitsu to submit Alicia Capita in the opening bout of the 2024 IMMAF African Championships, she might not have known that she was making history. Gisela became the first-ever youth continental champion from Africa out of the IMMAF system in what was a historic day […]
May 28 will be a historic occasion for the sport of mixed martial arts in the African continent. For the first time ever, the biggest continental amateur tournament, the IMMAF African Championships, will host Youth brackets as part of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation’s efforts to continue building a pathway for young athletes to […]
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) continues to imprint its foothold as the leader in amateur MMA in Africa with the seventh edition of the African Championships, which takes place in Namibia for the first time. And as we get ready to embark on a historic edition of the tournament, we continue to take […]
As the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) gears up for the eighth edition of the African Championships, the tournament has truly become the biggest fully amateur event taking place in the African continent hosted under the umbrella of the only WADA-signatory governing body for MMA. And throughout the years, the African Championships has provided […]
Young amateur stars Bilal Alosmanov and Esmira Mammadova returned as heroes to their native Azerbaijan following an epic campaign at the 2024 IMMAF European Championships, in Serbia. Both athletes were welcomed by Mr. Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan. During the visit, which was also attended by the Azerbaijan MMA Federation president, […]
By IMMAF Development Consultant, Jorden Curran The Arnold Sports Festival took place in Sao Paulo last week and hosted a landmark event for amateur mixed martial arts in Brazil. A three-day MMA showcase, organised by CBMMAD and supported by UFC Fight Pass, hosted competition for both Senior and Junior level competitors, as well as Youth […]
IMMAF Featherweight world champion Elias Erber (pictured) is well on his way to joining the likes of Ramazan Gitinov, Sabrina Sousa, Bagdat Zhubanysh, and many more before them as a certified IMMAF legend. This Saturday, in Belgrade, Serbia, ‘’No Time’’ added European gold to an already stacked resume with a hugely dominant performance over Ugo-Antton Vidal, who had a dominant run to […]
One of the biggest storylines coming into the 2024 IMMAF European Championships was in the Junior Light Heavyweight division. All medalists from last year’s world championships were a part of this year’s continental tournament, which meant that a rematch of the final, between world champion Ivan Poremchuck and silver medalist Lukasz Makowski (pictured) could take place. When the duo […]
The upsets flowed freely throughout Belgrade on the third day of competition for Juniors and Seniors at the 2024 IMMAF European Championships as France and Poland earned several big victories to get near the top of the ranking, which was occupied once again by Team Ukraine. In the day’s first bout, Ireland’s Amy Scully, a Youth […]
The 2024 edition of the Junior and Senior European Championships was filled with drama on its second day, as Team Ukraine continued its domination with an incredible tally of 10 wins. But the story of the day included the big wins of Team Germany and Team France as they announced their arrival in style with […]
The 2024 edition of the IMMAF European Championships kicked off last Saturday with the Youth tournament, but this Tuesday it was the time for the Juniors and Seniors to take center stage in the biggest proving ground for amateur MMA. And Team Serbia seems to have taken advantage of being at home to drive themselves […]
The 2024 season for the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) has kicked off in Serbia, as the biggest proving ground for amateur MMA landed in Belgrade for the 2024 European Championships, last March 30, for the first-ever Youth continental tournament, which successfully wrapped up last Sunday. Starting this Tuesday, April 2, until next Saturday, […]
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), in conjunction with the Serbian MMA Federation, has inaugurated the first-ever Youth continental tournament, as part of the IMMAF European Champions, which kicked off this Saturday, March 30, in Belgrade, Serbia. And in the first day of competition, categories Youth B and Youth C shone on the biggest […]
Registration for the first-ever IMMAF African Championships taking place in Namibia has now opened for all African federations wishing to compete at the ultimate proving ground for amateur mixed martial artists, under the umbrella of the only WADA-signatory governing body for MMA. The 2024 edition of the IMMAF African Championships takes place in Windhoek, Namibia, […]
The International Testing Agency (ITA), official anti-doping partner of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), the is set to hold a February webinar dedicated to “A coach’s role in clean sport” with athletes, coaches, and other support personnel all invited to sign up. IMMAF and the ITA started an official partnership on January 1st, […]
By Frank Bonada Introducing IMMAF Pathways, a brand-new series that will delve into the transformative journeys of IMMAF’s most celebrated Amateur MMA champions. Our inaugural feature shines a spotlight on Magdalena Czaban, a dynamic atomweight hailing from Poland. Over the span of four years, she evolved into an iconic figure in the amateur MMA landscape, […]
By Frank Bonada Over the past decade, the IMMAF pathway has proven to be an invaluable asset for amateur MMA athletes, paving the way for their subsequent success in the professional scene. A decade after the inaugural IMMAF World Championships in 2014, the benefits of a well-nurtured amateur career are becoming increasingly evident. Held in […]
By Frank Bonada The year 2023 proved to be a landmark period for IMMAF alumni who transitioned into the professional ranks of mixed martial arts. Former IMMAF competitors celebrated victorious debuts, ascended to title contention and a select few even secured coveted championship accolades. The relationship between IMMAF and BRAVE CF continues to bear fruit, […]
By Frank Bonada The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2024 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, effective from January 1, 2024. The full list can be seen here As a WADA Code signatory, the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) supports all changes made by WADA to uphold the sport’s integrity and keep […]
By Frank Bonada IMMAF World and Continental Champion Otabek Rajabov has officially inked a multi-fight deal with professional MMA promotion Cage Glory Championship, widely known as CGC. Fresh from his stellar performance at the 2023 IMMAF World Championships, Tajikistan’s Otabek Rajabov exits the amateur ranks with two World titles to his name, as well as […]
By Frank Bonada 2015 IMMAF World gold medallist Frans Mlambo will compete to become PFL Europe Bantamweight Champion on December 8. Since his days with IMMAF, Mlambo has seamlessly transitioned from the amateur MMA circuit to become a prominent figure in the world of professional mixed martial arts. His combat sports journey has been marked […]
By Frank Bonada A true trailblazer of Finnish and European MMA, Minna Grusander has announced her decision to retire from the sport of MMA. The impact of Grusander’s career as a mixed martial artist resonates far beyond her competitive years, having more than left her mark on Finland’s MMA landscape and standing as a key […]
By Frank Bonada At the 2023 International Mixed Martial Arts Federation World Championships, Finland’s breakout star, Sani Brannfors, will seek to etch her name into the annals of IMMAF greatness. Already a Youth and Junior World Champion, Brannors will attempt the remarkable feat of completing the trifecta, by capturing a Senior World Championships gold medal. […]
From IMMAF to the UFC, Brazil’s Amanda Ribas is one of the biggest stars to emerge from the Pan-American continent. The daughter of respected Brazilian Martial Arts coach, Marcelo Ribas, Amanda began training from a very young age. Initially joining a national Judo youth team, she would later find her true calling in Mixed Martial […]
