Al Ain, United Arab Emirates – The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships continued its thrilling action on day four, held in the vibrant city of Al Ain under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The championship runs through 27 July.
Fierce Competition in Youth B Category
The final day of the Youth B category (ages 14–15) delivered intense matchups between young athletes from around the world. More than 800 male and female competitors representing 45 countries are participating in this year’s edition, highlighting the global appeal and growth of youth MMA.
Praise for Organization and Fan Engagement
H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, praised the high level of competition and world-class organization:
“Once again, the UAE proves its ability to host world-class sports events with excellence. This championship has become a global platform for discovering new talents and creating future stars, supported by strong public attendance and participation from clubs and academies.”
Abdullah Al Jabareen, head coach of the UAE National Youth MMA Team, expressed pride in the performance of his players: “Many of our fighters are participating in their first international competition and have already won medals. This speaks volumes about the quality of our national training programs. We are working hard to achieve even better results in the coming days.”
A Parent’s Perspective: Support that Makes a Difference
Voice of Emirates News Agency spoke to Ms. Mariam Al Ketbi, the mother of one of the Emirati competitors, who shared her excitement and pride:
“I’m incredibly proud of my son for competing in a global championship. The support he’s received from coaches and the federation is inspiring. We, as families, are here to cheer and celebrate this experience with true national spirit.”
Parallel Activities and Cutting-Edge Technology
This year’s championship stands out for its use of advanced digital refereeing systems and on-site medical monitoring. Additionally, a series of educational workshops have been organized to teach young athletes about sports nutrition, recovery, and mental discipline—key elements in developing professional athletes from a young age.
Spotlight on Youth A Category Starting Friday All eyes now turn to Friday, when the Youth A category (ages 16–17) kicks off. This division features top-tier talent and high-level combat skills. A fierce battle is expected between Ukraine, England, and the United States for the overall championship title, while Team UAE is determined to strengthen its standing and bring home more medals.
