The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation’s World Championships is set to return to Bahrain at the end of 2018.
Information about the 2018 IMMAF World Championships will be announced on Wednesday, March 7 by the Bahraini MMA Federation at a press conference in Manama, attended by IMMAF President Kerrith Brown. Athletes wishing to participate should contact their national federation for information about local tryouts and event updates.
IMMAF’s 2017 nation vs nation, World amateur MMA tournament ended in Manama in December on a high.
A successful collaboration between IMMAF and the Bahrain Mixed Martial Arts Association, with support from the office of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad, has laid strong foundations for future years’ events in Bahrain.
The 2017 World Championships was IMMAF’s biggest to date, with 248 athletes taking part. With the backing of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the royal endorsement, the event enjoyed a prestigious platform and was broadcast internationally by Bahrain TV. The 2018 event is expected to outstrip 2017’s in size and in prestige.
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said:
“I cannot thank their Highnesses Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa enough for their passionate support of MMA. On behalf of IMMAF I would like to thank the Bahrain MMA Federation, headed by Khalid Al Khayyat, and the HHSK Media Office for their generous hospitality over the 2017 IMMAF World Championships. I would like to thank also all the staff and volunteers who worked so hard to achieve an incredible and aspirational event.
“It really felt like the Olympics, from the airport welcomes and opening ceremony to the national participation and coverage, through to the closing ceremony and awards. The level of medical care was unparalleled, and our hosts were generous too in the entertainment they laid on for athletes no longer in competition – from trips to the local camel farm to Wahoo water park. “We very much look forward to developing our working relationship with Bahrain in preparation for a much anticipated return in the final quarter of 2018.”
