Support our educational content for free when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more
[2023] What do you call the federation organized by MMA?
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has gained immense popularity over the years, with athletes from all over the world showcasing their skills in the octagon. But have you ever wondered what the federation organized by MMA is called? In this comprehensive guide, our team at MMA Ninja™ will delve into the world of MMA federations and provide you with all the information you need. So, let's get started!
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- Quick Tips and Facts
- Amateur vs. Professional Level Athletes
- Amateur MMA Rules
- Members
- Championships
- Overall Medals Standing (World Championships)
- Partnership with BRAVE Combat Federation
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- Useful Links
- Reference Links
Quick Answer
The federation organized by MMA is known as the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF). It serves as the global governing body for amateur MMA, regulating and promoting the sport on an international level.
Quick Tips and Facts
- The IMMAF was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
- The federation is recognized by SportAccord, the global association of international sports federations.
- IMMAF is responsible for organizing and sanctioning amateur MMA competitions worldwide.
- It aims to develop and grow the sport, establish standards for competition, and ensure the safety and welfare of athletes.
- The IMMAF has over 100 national federation members and represents millions of amateur MMA athletes globally.
Amateur vs. Professional Level Athletes
In the world of MMA, there are two distinct levels of competition: amateur and professional. While professional MMA is widely recognized and regulated by various organizations, amateur MMA often falls under the jurisdiction of the IMMAF.
Amateur MMA allows aspiring fighters to gain experience, develop their skills, and prepare for a potential professional career. The IMMAF provides a platform for amateur athletes to compete on an international stage, with the ultimate goal of representing their country in world championships.
It's important to note that amateur MMA fighters are not allowed to receive monetary compensation for their participation. Once an athlete decides to turn professional, they can pursue opportunities in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Bellator MMA, or ONE Championship.
Amateur MMA Rules
Amateur MMA follows a set of rules established by the IMMAF to ensure the safety and fair competition of athletes. These rules may vary slightly depending on the region and the specific event, but they generally include the following:
- No strikes to the head of a grounded opponent: Unlike professional MMA, amateur fighters are not allowed to strike their opponents in the head when they are on the ground. This rule aims to reduce the risk of serious injuries.
- Protective gear: Amateur fighters are required to wear protective gear, including shin guards, gloves, and headgear. This helps minimize the impact of strikes and reduces the risk of cuts and concussions.
- Weight classes: Amateur MMA has weight classes similar to professional MMA. This ensures that fighters compete against opponents of similar size and weight, reducing the risk of severe injuries.
It's crucial for amateur fighters to familiarize themselves with the specific rules and regulations of the IMMAF and the event they are competing in to ensure compliance and a fair competition.
Members
The IMMAF consists of national federations from around the world that govern amateur MMA within their respective countries. These federations are responsible for organizing local competitions, selecting national teams, and sending athletes to represent their country in international events.
As of [2023], the IMMAF has over 100 member federations, including:
- USA Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UMMAF)
- Brazilian Mixed Martial Arts Confederation (CBMMA)
- Japan MMA Federation (JMMAF)
- British MMA Federation (BMMAF)
- Australian MMA Federation (AMMAF)
The IMMAF's membership continues to grow as more countries recognize and embrace amateur MMA as a legitimate sport.
Championships
The IMMAF organizes several prestigious championships for amateur MMA fighters. These events provide a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and compete against the best from around the world. Some of the notable championships organized by the IMMAF include:
- IMMAF World Championships: Held annually, the World Championships bring together national teams from around the globe to compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals in various weight classes.
- IMMAF European Open Championships: This regional championship features top amateur MMA fighters from Europe battling it out for the title of European champion.
- IMMAF Asian Open Championships: Similar to the European Open Championships, this event showcases the best amateur MMA talent from Asia.
These championships not only offer athletes the opportunity to represent their country but also serve as a stepping stone towards a potential professional career in MMA.
Overall Medals Standing (World Championships)
The IMMAF World Championships feature a highly competitive atmosphere, with national teams vying for medals in different weight classes. Here is an overview of the overall medals standing from the [2022] IMMAF World Championships:
Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
---|---|---|---|
Russia | 8 | 4 | 5 |
United States | 6 | 8 | 6 |
Kazakhstan | 4 | 3 | 3 |
Brazil | 3 | 2 | 4 |
Sweden | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Note: The medals standing is subject to change each year.
Partnership with BRAVE Combat Federation
The IMMAF has established a partnership with the BRAVE Combat Federation, a prominent professional MMA organization. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between amateur and professional MMA, providing opportunities for amateur fighters to transition into the professional circuit.
The partnership between the IMMAF and BRAVE Combat Federation allows select amateur fighters to showcase their skills on the global stage. It also provides a pathway for athletes to sign professional contracts with BRAVE CF, kickstarting their professional careers.
This collaboration not only benefits the athletes but also contributes to the growth and development of MMA as a whole.
FAQ
Does MMA have a national governing body?
Yes, MMA has national governing bodies in various countries. These governing bodies are responsible for overseeing and regulating the sport at the national level. They work closely with the IMMAF and other international organizations to ensure the development and growth of MMA within their respective countries.
What MMA organizations are there?
There are several prominent MMA organizations worldwide, including:
- Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
- Bellator MMA
- ONE Championship
- Professional Fighters League (PFL)
- BRAVE Combat Federation
These organizations host professional MMA events and showcase the best fighters from around the world.
What did MMA used to be called?
MMA used to be called "No Holds Barred" (NHB) or "Vale Tudo" in its early days. These terms reflected the unrestricted nature of the sport, where fighters from different disciplines competed against each other with minimal rules and regulations. Over time, the sport evolved and adopted the name "Mixed Martial Arts" (MMA) to better represent its diverse nature.
What does the IMMAF do?
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) serves as the global governing body for amateur MMA. It regulates and promotes the sport on an international level, organizing championships, establishing rules and regulations, and ensuring the safety and welfare of amateur MMA athletes. The IMMAF also works towards the recognition of amateur MMA by international sports authorities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the federation organized by MMA is known as the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF). As the global governing body for amateur MMA, the IMMAF plays a crucial role in regulating and promoting the sport on an international level. Through its championships, partnerships, and member federations, the IMMAF provides a platform for amateur fighters to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams in the world of MMA.
If you're interested in exploring the world of MMA, whether as a fan or an aspiring athlete, be sure to stay updated with the latest news and events from the IMMAF and its member federations. Keep training, stay focused, and who knows, you might just find yourself competing on the international stage someday!
Useful Links
- Shop MMA Gear on Amazon
- IMMAF Official Website
- UFC Official Website
- Bellator MMA Official Website
- ONE Championship Official Website
- BRAVE Combat Federation Official Website