Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon Inaugurates 6th IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, officially inaugurated the 6th edition of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Youth World Championships, taking place for the first time in the Al Ain Region from 21st to 27th July 2025.
This year’s championship brings together over 1,000 male and female athletes from 60 countries, marking a new milestone in global youth participation in mixed martial arts.
In his opening remarks, Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon praised the athletes for their remarkable performances and lauded the event’s dynamic and competitive atmosphere. He emphasized the pivotal role played by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation in advancing combat sports both locally and internationally.
He further noted that hosting the championship in Al Ain significantly enhances the region’s stature as a premier sporting destination and contributes to its broader socio-economic and sports development.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries and senior officials, including Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee; Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF; Wissam Abi Nader, Vice President of IMMAF; Moza Khalifa Al Falasi, Acting Head of Regional Operations at the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK); and Saed Hijazi Salameh, General Manager Sales, Jaguar Land Rover at Premier Motors. Delegations from various participating nations were also present.
Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, hailed the event as a historic milestone. “Hosting this edition in Al Ain marks a historic milestone for the championship, particularly with the record-breaking participation of athletes and nations. This achievement not only highlights the event’s continued expansion but also reinforces the UAE’s position as a global hub for elite combat sports competitions,” he stated.
The championship is expected to set new benchmarks in youth MMA development and further elevate the UAE’s role in hosting world-class sporting events.
