Al Ain to Host 6th IMMAF Youth MMA World Championship 2025

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Al Ain, UAE – Under the kind 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 6th IMMAF Youth World Championships will take place from 21st to 27th July 2025 at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain.

This is the first time that the global youth championship will be hosted in the Al Ain Region, making it a proud and historic moment for the city. The event is expected to welcome more than 1,000 young male and female athletes from over 60 countries, bringing together future stars of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) from around the world.

The tournament is organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and is being hosted for the fourth year in a row by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. This ongoing partnership reflects the UAE’s strong commitment to promoting international sports and supporting young athletes.

Strong Leadership and Support

His Excellency Abdulmunem Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his continued support of the country’s sports sector. He also thanked His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed for his generous support of the championship.

HE Alhashmi said that having the support of such high-level leaders is a great source of motivation for young athletes in the UAE. He believes it helps inspire the next generation to work hard, dream big, and represent their country with pride. He also said that this event strengthens the UAE’s growing reputation as a top destination for world-class sports events, especially in the field of Mixed Martial Arts.

Why Al Ain?

Al Ain was chosen as the host city because it has everything needed to organise a successful international event. The city has modern sports facilities, good infrastructure, and also offers rich culture and heritage. It’s a place where athletes and visitors can enjoy both sports and local traditions.

Bringing the event to Al Ain also puts the region in the spotlight on both the regional and global sports map. It’s a chance for international teams and fans to discover the city's unique history, warm hospitality, and tourist attractions, making this more than just a competition—it becomes a cultural exchange.

Preparations Underway

The organising committee, in partnership with key organisations, is working very hard to make this championship a big success. Their goal is to deliver a well-organised, exciting, and memorable event that lives up to the expectations of both athletes and fans. The team is focused on ensuring the event runs smoothly at every level—from planning to welcoming guests.

This championship is also a big part of the UAE’s larger goal to invest in youth, help build future champions, and encourage healthy competition among young people from different countries.