The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF)

The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is the definitive global governing body for amateur mixed martial arts (MMA).

Origins and Foundation

• Established: Founded on February 29, 2012, in Stockholm, Sweden, by August Wallen and George Sallfeldt.
• UFC Backing: Launched with institutional support from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which wanted a trusted regulatory partner to develop grassroots talent and safe competitive paths globally.
• Unification: In 2018, IMMAF merged with the World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA), effectively consolidating the global administration of amateur MMA under one unified banner.

Leadership and Structure

• President: Led by Kerrith Brown, a former Olympic judo bronze medalist for Great Britain who has served as president since 2015.
• CEO: Managed operationally by Densign White.
• Headquarters: Registered and operating out of Grono, Switzerland.
• Global Reach: Encompasses over 130 national federations across five continental federations (such as the Kenya Mixed Martial Arts Federation newly reconstituted in 2026).

Core Mission and Operations

• The Olympic Goal: The organization's main long-term goal is to earn formal recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to eventually see MMA included in the Olympic Games.
• Regulatory Rigor: IMMAF is the only MMA governing body fully recognized as a code signatory by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Drug testing and compliance are fully delegated to the independent International Testing Agency (ITA).
• Championship Tiers: Organizes annual continental and World Championships separated strictly by age brackets: Youth (ages 12 - 17), Junior (18 - 21), and Senior (21+).