Athletes

Jorden Curran  What happens when a fighter establishes himself as the best in his division, only to find that his greatest obstacle is one of the sport’s all-time talents?  That question defined the rivalry between Reo Yamaguchi and Muhammad Mokaev, who faced each other three times across the 2018–2019 IMMAF competition schedule.  After qualifying for Team Japan in 2017 […]

By Murdo Todd IMMAF alumna Regina Tarin made good on her short-notice UFC debut, defeating Ernsesta Kareckaite in front of a home crowd in Mexico City, Mexico. Tarin, who won silver for Team Mexico at the 2022 Youth World Championships, took the fight on just three days’ notice, but despite a lack of training camp, […]

Hasan Khan Randy “The Natural” Couture’s name is synonymous with excellence in mixed martial arts. A six-time UFC world champion and former U.S. Army sergeant Couture is recognised not only for his achievements inside the cage, but for the discipline, humility and resilience that defined his career. Today, as a new addition to the UFSL’s […]

Hasan Khan Aldric Cassata has quietly become the architect of France’s MMA identity, a fighter turned national coach whose strategic coaching and passionate advocacy helped launch some of France’s most prominent modern MMA stars. Now joint head coach of the French national amateur MMA team, Cassata charts a path for the next generation of athletes […]

By Jorden Curran  The 2025 IMMAF Awards took place on October 30 at the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel in Tbilisi, Georgia, during the week of the 2025 IMMAF World Championships. The annual occasion, which celebrates the achievements of competitors and national federations, featured 6 athlete focused awards with a total of 31 nominees spanning 22 nations. With […]

The IMMAF Athlete Awards celebrate the standout performers of the past year, honouring excellence across Senior, Junior, and Newcomer categories, with up to five nominees selected in each. Nominations are confirmed by the IMMAF Athletes Commission, based on medals earned and exceptional results at IMMAF Championships. In addition, the Performance of the Year award highlights […]

By Cédric Dumas Another weekend of MMA action once again highlighted the global rise of talent shaped through the IMMAF system. Fighters at every stage of their careers delivered finishes, title defences, and breakthrough moments that reinforced the strength of the amateur-to-professional pathway. Cage Warriors 193 once again delivered high-level action, with George Staines (7-0) […]

By Cédric Dumas Another action-packed week of MMA took place across the globe, with fighters delivering statement wins on major and regional stages alike. From Paris to Central Asia, and from established names to fresh professional debuts, the results once again underscored how the IMMAF pathway continues to produce athletes ready to shine at every […]

By Cédric Dumas The past week was full of action across multiple promotions. Many of these athletes got their start in the IMMAF system, which has consistently prepared fighters to compete at the highest level. Here’s how our IMMAF alumni did this week : On week 2 of the 2025 edition of Dana White’s Contender […]

By Cédric Dumas IMMAF alumni continued to make their mark on the professional MMA scene this past week, delivering strong performances and impressive wins across multiple events worldwide. Former IMMAF world champion Sabrinna de Sousa (4-0) stayed unbeaten, scoring a unanimous decision win over Saray Orozco (8-8) in the PFL World Tournament Finals. De Sousa, […]

By Cédric Dumas Each week, IMMAF Alumni Watch tracks the progress of former amateur standouts as they compete on the professional stage. From title fights to debut victories, these athletes are proving that their experience in IMMAF competition continues to translate into success against seasoned opponents. Here’s who was in action this week : At […]

By Cédric Dumas Last week, IMMAF veterans once again made waves on the global professional MMA scene. From packed arenas in Abu Dhabi to the bright lights of Lumpinee Stadium and all the way to Mexico and Central Asia, graduates of the amateur world circuit proved why IMMAF remains the premier launching pad to the […]

By Cédric Dumas This past weekend delivered another wave of strong performances from emerging prospects across the global MMA scene, many of whom continue to build on their solid amateur foundations they started on the IMMAF circuit. With action spread from Brazil to China, and from Europe to the Middle East, a number of rising […]

By Cédric Dumas The second event of the 2025 PFL Europe season took place in Brussels this past weekend, offering fans a showcase of promising talent, including several IMMAF alumni making strides in their professional careers. The packed ING Arena witnessed strong performances from athletes who continue to build on their amateur foundations on the […]

By Cédric Dumas This past weekend in Manchester, undefeated lightweight Omar Tugarev (8-0) seized the moment, stepping in on short notice to headline Cage Warriors 191 to fight for the interim lightweight title. Facing James Power in the main event, the 23-year-old Finnish prospect dominated the grappling exchanges, eventually securing a crucifix position in round […]

By Cédric Dumas The UFC made its first-ever stop in Azerbaijan, with several former IMMAF standouts taking centre stage on this historic card. An all-IMMAF showdown kicks off our IMMAF alumni watch as Muhammad Naimov (13-3) edged out fellow alum Bogdan Grad (15-3) by decision in a high-paced and thrilling contest. Grad, a product of […]

By Cédric Dumas It was a packed weekend of action for IMMAF alumni across the globe, as former amateur standouts showcased their talents on some of the sport’s biggest stages. Here’s a look back at the standout performances from our rising stars turned professionals. One of IMMAF’s all-time greats, Muhammad Mokaev (14-0), faced Brazil’s Thomas […]

By Cédric Dumas It was a busy weekend for IMMAF alumni around the globe, with several former medalists taking centre stage across major MMA cards. Here’s a recap of the standout performances by our federation’s former athletes. At UFC 316, 2018 IMMAF World silver medalist Andreas Gustafsson (12-2) finally got his shot in the spotlight […]

The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is proud to announce that refugee athletes will now be able to participate as neutral competitors in IMMAF Championships, as members of a recognised international team, upholding IMMAF’s commitment to inclusivity, fairness, and the development of mixed martial arts talent worldwide.  Refugee athletes, or those under Temporary Protection, […]

By Cédric Dumas The spotlight was on IMMAF alumni at EFC 124, where a thrilling night of action unfolded in Sandton, South Africa. South Africa’s Coenie Lamprecht (1-0), who captured the world’s attention by claiming five straight submission victories at the 2024 IMMAF Youth World Championships and securing gold for his effort, made his much-anticipated […]

The International Testing Agency (ITA), on behalf of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), have reported that Ukrainian athlete Ivan Pasych has been sanctioned with a 4-year period of ineligibility after testing positive for the prohibited substance meldonium. Pasych was suspended following an incompetition control on 30 September 2022 during the 2022 IMMAF European […]

By Cédric Dumas It was another action-packed weekend across the globe for IMMAF alumni, with standout performances from veterans of the amateur circuit now making waves in the professional ranks. In Kazakhstan, Naiza FC 73 featured multiple IMMAF veterans showcasing their evolution. The main event saw the conclusion of a storied rivalry between two of […]

By Cédric Dumas While the world’s biggest MMA promotion took a break for Memorial Day Weekend, all eyes turned to regional circuits around the globe, and former IMMAF standouts seized the spotlight. Leading the charge was two-time IMMAF world champion Aieza Bertolso, who extended her perfect professional record to 6-0 on Friday night. Competing in […]

By Murdo Todd Former IMMAF World and European Champion Sani Brännfors (Finland) made a statement in her professional debut, securing a second-round knockout victory at Cage MMA 66 in Helsinki this past weekend. Competing on the main card, the Finnish phenom showcased the elite skills that saw her dominate the amateur scene for years. Her […]

Two time IMMAF Youth World Champion Zamzam Al Hammadi (UAE) has officially signed an amteur contract with PFL MENA marking a significant milestone in the promising career. At just 17 years of age, Al Hammadi has emerged as a defining figure in the amateur MMA scene. In 2023, she become the first Emirati woman to […]

By Murdo Todd  Former IMMAF Africa Champion Luthando Biko (South Africa) continued his impressive run this past weekend with a second-round TKO victory at Brave CF 93 in Zhengzhou, China. Biko defeated 30-fight veteran Zinbo Zou via elbows in the final seconds of round two in a catchweight bout, improving his professional record to 13–3. […]

By Murdo Todd Former IMMAF World Champion Cary Miller made a successful transition to the professional ranks following an accomplished amateur career that saw him claim multiple titles.  The 28-year-old North Carolina native faced off with former undefeated amateur Jacen Edwards at Dead Serious 57. Showcasing years of experience on the IMMAF circuit, Miller claimed […]

By Frank Bonada In a landmark week for Irish MMA, two of the nation’s top amateur standouts, Kiya O’Sullivan and Kerry Ann Vernon, take the next step in their careers, signing professional contracts with two of the sport’s leading promotions. Fresh off a dominant run at the 2025 IMMAF European Championships, Kiya O’Sullivan has signed […]

By Murdo Todd In a clash of IMMAF alumni, Zambia’s Ken Sekeletu secured the EFC Interim Featherweight Championship with a victory over South Africa’s Roedie Roets. The two faced off in the main event of EFC 121 in Sandton, South Africa. However, the bout ended after the first round when Roets was forced to retire, […]

By Murdo Todd Former IMMAF World Champion Alina Dalaslan (Germany) made a successful professional debut this past weekend, winning by third-round TKO stoppage. Representing Germany, Dalaslan claimed gold at the 2024 IMMAF World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The 24-year-old overcame amateur MMA standouts Marianna Skuba (Ukraine) and Esmira Mammadova (Azerbaijan) before landing a stunning finish […]

By Frank Bonada UFC 313 marked a seismic shift in the light heavyweight division as Magomed Ankalaev dethroned Alex Pereira to claim the UFC World Championship title. While Ankalaev now sits atop the 205lb division in professional MMA, this is not the first time he has reached the summit of the sport. His journey to […]

By Hasan Khan In the rugged heart of Valle Caudina, where mountain trails carve through Moiano’s rocky terrain, Domenico Viscusi is forging a name for himself, one round at a time. Representing Italy’s next wave of MMA talent, Viscusi’s performance at the IMMAF 2025 European Championships may not have ended with gold, but his presence […]

By Murdo Todd At UFC 315, Manon Fiorot (France) will become the first IMMAF alum to compete for a UFC title when she takes on Valentina Shevchenko for the Women’s Flyweight belt. A former IMMAF World Champion, Fiorot claimed gold at the 2017 IMMAF World Championships, defeating Karolina Hulkko and Chamia Chabbi in the final […]

By Hasan Khan In mixed martial arts (MMA), few stories resonate as deeply as that of the underdog who rises against the odds. Austria’s Elias Erber embodies that journey, climbing from obscurity to becoming an IMMAF World champion. As he prepares for his final amateur bout at the 2025 IMMAF European Championships this February, Elias […]

By Cauley Quilty With the 2025 IMMAF European Championships fast approaching, athletes across the continent are readying themselves for the battles to come. Meanwhile, three IMMAF alumni were in action as the UFC ventured to Saudi Arabia for only the second time in promotional history. Bogdan Grad (Austria), Shamil Gaziev (Bahrain) & Muhammad Naimov (Tajikistan) […]

By Jorden Curran  Poland’s newest MMA sensation Magdalena Czaban extended her professional record to 2-0 in a powerful display of skill and composure at Invicta FC 58 in Kansas City on November 6. This marked Czaban’s USA debut, and she delivered a standout performance against fellow IMMAF alum, Jessica Hope Holmes.  Czaban turned professional in […]

In the world of sports, athletes and coaches are mostly focused on building bigger muscles, increasing speed and getting physically stronger. But when it comes to fitness, one of the body’s most powerful organs is often forgotten – the brain. Many challenges, from mental fatigue and lack of focus to concussion and sleeping difficulties, are […]

By Frank Bonada As the next wave of MMA talent ready themselves for the 2024 IMMAF World Championships, IMMAF alumni worldwide continue to illustrate how a solid amateur foundation is the key to professional success. 2019 IMMAF European Championships bronze medalist Paulin Begai (France) delivered a statement win over Salim El Ouassaidi at Ares FC […]

By Frank Bonada At the UFC 308 press conference in Abu Dhabi, former IMMAF European Open Champion and undefeated professional fighter Nabotov Dorobshokh (Tajikistan) took an unexpected route to make his case for a UFC contract.  During the Q&A session, Dorobshokh stepped up to the microphone, addressing UFC President Dana White directly and making a […]

It’s not long now until we meet in Uzbekistan. Putting extra effort into your training? That’s great! But if you don’t recover optimally, you won’t achieve the fitness levels needed to be as competitive as can be. Struggling with cramp? We know it’s an athlete’s nightmare because it has a debilitating effect on performance. To […]

By Frank Bonada At the 2024 IMMAF World Championships, England’s Micah Matibiri will make his long-awaited IMMAF debut on the biggest global stage in amateur MMA.  A 5-1 lightweight from Fearless MMA in Birmingham, Matibiri has made a name for himself with a dominant run through the UK regional scene. After suffering his first amateur […]

By Frank Bonada French phenom Souhil Arezki will be looking to impress once again at the biggest amateur MMA event of the year, as he heads to Tashkent, Uzbekistan to defend the Junior Bantamweight World title. Arezki embodies the new generation of amateur athletes emerging from France and Belgium, focused on honing their skills and […]

By Frank Bonada IMMAF alumni continue to make waves on the global stage, as Tobiasz Le (Poland) added yet another highlight reel finish at KSW 99, and Tom Hölemann (Germany) burst onto the pro scene with a stunning debut performance. At KSW 99: Martínek vs. Vojčák, Poland’s Tobiasz Le competed in his seventh professional MMA […]

MMA is one of the most demanding sports out there. We know that, as an athlete, you need to stick to physically and mentally taxing routines. And sometimes, they might get a bit much, especially if you’re experiencing nutrient and energy deficiencies. Your body needs micronutrients, not too little and not too much, in the right […]

By Frank Bonada With a lineup of returning champions and promising prospects set to compete at the 2024 IMMAF World Championships, one newcomer stands out: Nathan Kelly, an Irish flyweight training under the guidance of John Kavanagh at the renowned Straight Blast Gym Ireland. Kelly is an intriguing addition to the IMMAF roster. Although his […]

By Frank Bonada Two former IMMAF standouts will square off at UFC Vegas 100 as England’s Melissa Mullins takes on Poland’s Klaudia Syguła. The bout hold particular historic significance, marking the first time that two IMMAF alumni will face each other in the UFC octagon. 2019 IMMAF European silver medalist Melissa Mullins competed in five […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]