The seventh IMMAF Youth World Championships have officially commenced at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, drawing a massive field of over 1,100 athletes representing 55 different countries. The tournament, which is scheduled to run until August 23, marks the fifth consecutive year that the UAE capital has hosted the prestigious international event.
Organized by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation in partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the competition is structured across four distinct age categories. The action opened with the Youth D division for athletes aged 10–11, while the Youth C category for those aged 12–13 is set to follow on August 18. The schedule continues with Youth B bouts for 14–15-year-olds on August 19 and 20, concluding with three days of Youth A competition for participants aged 16–17.
The host nation is fielding a significant presence, with a 47-athlete squad representing the UAE across all age groups. Notably, 19 of these competitors are slated to participate in the opening day’s Youth D events. The organizing committee has confirmed that all logistical, technical, and administrative preparations are complete, ensuring the venue is fully equipped to manage the week-long tournament.
Reflecting on the event’s growth, IMMAF President Kerrith Brown expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration in Abu Dhabi. “We are delighted to stage the seventh edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, which is hosting the event for the fifth consecutive year,” Brown stated. He credited the partnership with the UAE federation for the consistent expansion in both participant numbers and the diversity of nations involved, adding that organizers are committed to providing a world-class experience for all delegations.
Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, a board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized the extensive planning required to manage an event of this scale. “The work behind a successful championship begins long before the first bout,” he noted. “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 expressed confidence in the local teams, noting that their experience from previous editions has been instrumental in preparing for the current tournament and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier destination for major international sports. The report also notes that including 19 who will take part in the opening day’s Youth D competition, the UAE National Team will compete with a squad of 47 athletes across the four age categories. The report also notes that it requires early planning and close coordination between all the teams involved.
