Al Ain: The Youth Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) World Championships are set to make history as they arrive in Al Ain for the first time, with more than 1,000 young athletes from 60 countries competing from July 21 to 27. This marks the event’s sixth edition — and the fourth consecutive year the UAE hosts the prestigious tournament.
Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, in collaboration with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), this year’s championship is the biggest yet, showcasing the UAE’s growing prominence as a global hub for MMA and combat sports. Participation has soared since 2022, when just 200 athletes took part, underscoring the sport’s rapid rise in popularity.
Three Age Categories, Top Nations Competing
This year’s competition will see fierce contenders from reigning champions Ukraine, as well as strong teams from the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and hosts UAE. Athletes will compete across three age categories — 12–13, 14–15, and 16–17 — providing a platform for the next generation of MMA stars to shine.
Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, highlighted the significance of hosting the event in Al Ain:
“This year’s record participation reflects the championship’s growing status as a global platform for youth MMA talent. Hosting it in Al Ain is a milestone, and we are working closely with our partners to deliver an exceptional experience for all.”
Beyond Competition: Culture and Entertainment
Al Dhaheri also revealed plans to make future editions even more dynamic:
“We aim to offer more than elite competition. By integrating cultural and entertainment programmes that reflect the UAE’s diversity and hospitality, we’re transforming the championship into an international youth festival.”
Meanwhile, the UAE National Team is completing its preparations at a high-intensity training camp in Thailand, focusing on peak physical conditioning and technical excellence to deliver a standout performance on home soil.
As Al Ain prepares to welcome the world, this championship promises to be a landmark event — celebrating not only youth MMA but also the UAE’s ever-growing legacy as a leader in global combat sports.