Al Ain, United Arab Emirates – The curtain fell today on the sixth edition of the IMMAF World Junior Championships, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, from July 21 to 27.
The competitions were held in collaboration with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, in cooperation with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The championships were hosted in Al Ain for the first time amidst an exceptional atmosphere of competition, widespread community engagement, and significant international acclaim.
This year’s championship attracted more than 1,000 male and female athletes from 60 countries, competing in four age categories, in an event described by participants as the largest and most advanced in the championship’s history. Ukraine successfully defended its title, finishing first, followed by England in second place, and Tajikistan in third place.
The UAE’s junior mixed martial arts team made a remarkable showing, winning 13 gold, silver, and bronze medals. This reflects the fruits of continuous technical and administrative work and investment in the age groups to build a promising generation capable of excelling in the largest international arenas.
The final day honored several partners in the tournament’s success, including Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMF), Abu Dhabi Police, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), RDX, and Abu Dhabi Sports Channels.
His Excellency Brigadier General Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the Mixed Martial Arts Committee, expressed his pride in the tournament’s great success. He emphasized that Al Ain’s hosting of this global event reflects the IJMF’s confidence in the UAE and strengthens its leading position in organizing prominent international championships.
Al Dhaheri said, “We appreciate the support of our wise leadership, which provides an ideal environment for sports. We are also proud of the honorable performance of our sons, which reflects the spirit of determination and discipline, contributing to strengthening the UAE’s position on the international mixed martial arts scene.”
His Excellency Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The growing popularity of mixed martial arts championships in Abu Dhabi reflects a growing passion for sporting excellence and the global standing of this field. We are proud to host the IMMAF Junior World Championships. This prominent event embodies our commitment to nurturing young talent and enhancing the profile of this sport on the international stage. Hosting the championship in Al Ain for the first time is an opportunity to highlight this vibrant destination and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global sports hub.”
