2018 IMMAF Africa Open Championships
- 24 – 26 May 2018
- Johannesburg – South Africa
The International MMA Federation is set to return to South Africa for the third iteration of its Africa Open amateur MMA Championships.
Hosted by MMA South Africa (MMASA) and sponsored by Scuffle Media, the 2018 IMMAF Africa Open Championships will take place at the Brakpan Sports Centre in Johannesburg from 24 to 26 May as the nation vs. nation tournament plays out over three days.
IMMAF’s footprint in Africa extends to Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt, Ghana, Cameroon and of course, South Africa. Previous events have attracted national teams from as far as Sweden, India and Bahrain. Free entry for athletes is expected to boost participation for the third Africa Open, as is the opportunity to gain points in the IMMAF World Amateur MMA Rankings as the IMMAF platform has become increasingly competitive. Plans to stream the Championships will be a further attraction to competitors, with details to be announced shortly.
Athlete registration opened on 21 February and athletes wishing to participate should contact their national federation for local tryouts information and updates.
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said:
“The Africa Open enables athletes from Africa to experience international competition through bringing it to their doorstep. The IMMAF competition platform forms an important part of an MMA athlete’s development pathway and inability to travel far afield should not be a bar to access. With plans to stream the event, MMASA is this time also providing an international showcase for upcoming Africa talent. For international participants, not only does the Africa Open create another opportunity to compete and to medal, but also the chance to experience South Africa hospitality and some of the incredible tourist attractions that the country has to offer. The Africa Open offers those from other continents a once in a lifetime experience.”
