ST. LUCIA and Guyana have been recognised as new Member Federations of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF). Other new members are Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Malta, Senegal and Sierra Leone. The new representatives underlines that the Covid-19 crisis has not slowed the rapid global growth of IMMAF. 

In other major decisions, the final 2021 Competition Calendar was agreed, giving IMMAF Federations and athletes a road map for the long-awaited return to competition starting on July 30, with events for all age groups catered for, climaxing in the IMMAF World Senior and Junior Championships in Nur Sultan Kazakhstan from November 27 – December 4.

IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said: “This latest Board Meeting shows how hard the IMMAF teams have been working, despite the difficulties caused by the Covid crisis and we are making great progress in all areas, from members services and development to communications and governance, and with the strong support of federations and volunteers who share our passion for amateur MMA.

“But above all, I am excited that we will soon be able to connect again with athletes and federation staff at our events. Like the athletes, I have missed IMMAF competitions and can’t wait to take part in live sport again.”

Talking about the benefits of martial arts, Brown said in an interview: ” It brings stability, family and like-minded people with similar goals.” It stopped us from getting into mischief because we were focussed on training rather than going out. I was lucky to drop into that block (of peers) in terms of development and I didn’t know anything else.”