London, Nov 26, 2017: The China International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (CIMMAF) will host IMMAF first Junior MMA World Championships and the IMMAF Asian Open Championships in China, in 2018 from 3 to 8 September.
CIMMAF has also been granted the rights to the 2019 IMMAF Junior World Championships and Asian Open to be held between 2 and 7 September, the rights for which will be passed to the new China Taipei Mixed Martial Arts Association (CTMMAA) to be hosted in Taiwan.
Meanwhile, in 2019, China will play host to an invitational IMMAF Grand Prix in June, for which CIMMAF will be awarding prize money to the winners in each weight category. Other cash prizes will be on offer for the most successful team and best male and female athletes as selected by IMMAF.
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said:
“We’re very excited to announce IMMAF’s first Junior MMA Championships, in partnership with the CIMMAF. Athlete progression is central to what IMMAF is about, and the Junior MMA Championships will provide a platform for the work put in by our Medical, Coaching and Regulatory Affairs Committees in the development of IMMAF’s Junior MMA rulesets and protocol. With MMA born first on a professional platform, IMMAF’s challenge has been to build safety structures from the grassroots up for every participant of MMA regardless of age and reason for training.
“We’re also excited to have a two-year agreement in place with CIMMAF for the hosting of not only the Junior Worlds, but also the IMMAF Asian Open Championships and an invitational Grand Prix event. We look forward to working closely with CIMMAF and CTMMAA for the successful execution of these events.”
CIMMAF issued the following statement:
“We are very excited to be granted the rights from the IMMAF. We must not only organize the Asian Open Championships and Junior MMA Championships in China, but are committed to holding the events to IMMAF’s high standard. Through our efforts, we will make both the IMMAF and the world know of CIMMAF and China.
“China is an extensive and abundant country with the world’s biggest market and consumer groups, and the world’s largest audience. Also, Martial Arts have a long history in China. For these reasons, we want showcase these world-class games to Chinese audiences and combat enthusiasts.
“Moreover, the CIMMAF can provide highly professional operational teams for the accomplishment of these events, including medical professionals and referees, as well as the best amateur fighters.
We will do our best to guarantee the safety of every player of MMA, to build up a safe and independent system for each player and team and to reward every player who works hard. We hope to see great participation in the event through our efforts, in order to make the best contribution possible to the field of MMA.
“We thank IMMAF again for the opportunity and for its confidence in the CIMMAF and faith in China. We truly believe that this will stimulate greater support for the sport in the region.”
CTMMAA President Kaiser Wang said:
“MMA is set to become Asia’s most popular sport within the next decade. IMMAF, the world’s largest amateur MMA organization, is committed to developing MMA in Greater China, and has announced the hosting of its 2018 Asian Open Championships in China and 2019 Championships in Chinese Taipei.
To better develop MMA in Chinese Taipei, strong support from the government and the public will be key to success. CTMMAA will invite and integrate resources from not only the government but also the industry in the organization of the 2019 Asian Open Championships and 2019 Junior MMA World Championships as premier sports events, and we will be committed to training Chinese Taipei MMA competitors, certifying professional coaches and promoting the IMMAF international standard for MMA in Chinese Taipei.” —- IMMAF
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