emirates7 - The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships wrapped up on Sunday in the Al Ain Region, marking the end of a week filled with elite-level competition, strong community involvement, and broad international recognition.
On the final day, the UAE added one more medal to its tally, bringing the host nation's total to an impressive 13.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the championship took place from July 21 to 27 at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain.
The tournament was organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, marking its first appearance in the Al Ain Region. Conducted in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), the event delivered an outstanding display of talent, professionalism, and sportsmanship.
This year’s championship saw participation from more than 1,000 athletes representing 60 countries across four youth categories, making it the largest and most advanced IMMAF youth championship to date. Ukraine emerged as the overall winner, with England finishing second and Tajikistan third. All winning teams were honoured in a closing ceremony on Sunday.
The UAE national youth team made a remarkable impression by securing 13 medals across various categories, a testament to the Federation’s continued focus on youth development and technical progress, while further enhancing the UAE’s international standing in mixed martial arts.
The final day also featured a recognition ceremony celebrating the efforts of key partners and contributors to the success of the championship, including IMMAF President Kerrith Brown; ADNEC Centre Al Ain; the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi Police; SEHA; RDX; and Abu Dhabi Sports Channels.
Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, praised the successful hosting of the event, noting, “This championship demonstrates the global MMA community’s trust in the UAE’s capabilities. Hosting it in Al Ain highlights our growing prominence in sports organisation.”
He also commended the Emirati athletes for their strong showing, saying, “Their perseverance and dedication reflect the spirit of the nation and support our leadership’s vision to empower youth through sport.”
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General for Tourism at DCT – Abu Dhabi, commented on the growing interest in combat sports in the emirate, stating, “The IMMAF Youth World Championships showcase our dedication to cultivating young talent and promoting MMA internationally. Hosting the event in Al Ain not only highlights the region’s appeal but also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global sports destination.”
On the final day, the UAE added one more medal to its tally, bringing the host nation's total to an impressive 13.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the championship took place from July 21 to 27 at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain.
The tournament was organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, marking its first appearance in the Al Ain Region. Conducted in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), the event delivered an outstanding display of talent, professionalism, and sportsmanship.
This year’s championship saw participation from more than 1,000 athletes representing 60 countries across four youth categories, making it the largest and most advanced IMMAF youth championship to date. Ukraine emerged as the overall winner, with England finishing second and Tajikistan third. All winning teams were honoured in a closing ceremony on Sunday.
The UAE national youth team made a remarkable impression by securing 13 medals across various categories, a testament to the Federation’s continued focus on youth development and technical progress, while further enhancing the UAE’s international standing in mixed martial arts.
The final day also featured a recognition ceremony celebrating the efforts of key partners and contributors to the success of the championship, including IMMAF President Kerrith Brown; ADNEC Centre Al Ain; the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi Police; SEHA; RDX; and Abu Dhabi Sports Channels.
Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, praised the successful hosting of the event, noting, “This championship demonstrates the global MMA community’s trust in the UAE’s capabilities. Hosting it in Al Ain highlights our growing prominence in sports organisation.”
He also commended the Emirati athletes for their strong showing, saying, “Their perseverance and dedication reflect the spirit of the nation and support our leadership’s vision to empower youth through sport.”
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General for Tourism at DCT – Abu Dhabi, commented on the growing interest in combat sports in the emirate, stating, “The IMMAF Youth World Championships showcase our dedication to cultivating young talent and promoting MMA internationally. Hosting the event in Al Ain not only highlights the region’s appeal but also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global sports destination.”