The seventh IMMAF Youth World Championships have officially commenced at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, drawing a record-level participation of over 1,100 athletes representing 55 countries. The tournament, which is scheduled to run until August 23, marks the fifth consecutive year that the UAE has hosted this prestigious international event.
Organized through a partnership between the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the competition is structured across four distinct age categories. The opening phase features the Youth D division for athletes aged 10–11. This will be followed on August 18 by the Youth C category for those aged 12–13. The schedule continues with Youth B bouts for 14–15-year-olds on August 19 and 20, while the final three days of the championship are reserved for the Youth A division, encompassing athletes aged 16–17.
Representing the host nation, the UAE National Team has entered a squad of 47 competitors across the various age brackets. Of these, 19 athletes are slated to compete during the initial Youth D sessions. The local organizing committee has confirmed that all administrative, logistical, and technical preparations are complete, ensuring the venue is fully equipped to handle the week-long influx of international delegations.
Kerrith Brown, President of the IMMAF, expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing collaboration with the UAE federation, noting that the event has seen consistent growth in both athlete numbers and global participation. Brown emphasized that the federation is committed to building upon the successes of previous years to provide a world-class experience for all participants.
Reflecting on the extensive preparations required for an event of this scale, Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, a board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, highlighted the importance of early planning and inter-team coordination. “With more than 1,100 athletes and seven days of competition, our focus is on making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish,” Al Dhaheri stated. He added that the team is confident in their ability to deliver a seamless event, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier destination for major international sports.
