The 2024 IMMAF Youth World Championships will take place at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, from August 6–10. This prestigious event will bring together over 800 emerging athletes from 45 countries. Abu Dhabi will host the Youth World Championships for the third consecutive year, underscoring its position as a premier destination for combat sports events in the Middle East.
IMMAF and the organizing committee are dedicated to ensuring that the event meets global standards. The 2021 edition saw 331 athletes from 23 countries, while the 2022 edition featured approximately 500 competitors from 42 countries. The 2023 edition set a record with 700 male and female athletes representing 45 countries. Young MMA athletes will compete in three categories: 12 to 13-year-olds (Youth C), 14 to 15-year-olds (Youth B), and 16 to 17-year-olds (Youth A).
IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi to feature over 800 athletes from 45 countries
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the UAE for the IMMAF World Youth Championships, anticipating an increase in athlete performance following the introduction of continental youth tournaments by the only WADA-recognized international MMA federation last year.
“Returning to Abu Dhabi is always a pleasure for us. The dedication of our entire team is truly inspiring, and we are pleased to announce another record-breaking attendance this year. We are committed to providing a safe pathway for young athletes to develop both athletically and personally, with increased efforts to prioritize safeguarding as we expand our youth tournaments globally,” Brown stated.
His Excellency Mohammed bin Dalmouk Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the Federation’s Mixed Martial Arts Committee, reiterated the UAE’s and Abu Dhabi’s commitment to delivering another exceptional event. Building on the success of the previous editions, which garnered praise from athletes, fans, and the global MMA community, preparations are underway to ensure this edition surpasses expectations.
“With less than two months until the most anticipated event for MMA enthusiasts worldwide, we are dedicated to ensuring the utmost success of this edition. The previous editions were highly successful and contributed to solidifying Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events,” Al Dhaheri affirmed.
