Where Is IMMAF Located? 🌍 The Global Home of Amateur MMA (2025)

Ever wondered where the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) actually calls home? Spoiler alert: it’s not just one place! While the official headquarters sit quietly in Switzerland, IMMAF’s true location is a sprawling network of gyms, arenas, and passionate fighters across 123 countries. From the snowy peaks of Scandinavia to the sun-soaked sands of Abu Dhabi, IMMAF’s presence is as global as MMA itself.

Stick around, because later we’ll reveal how IMMAF’s strategic partnerships, championship events, and safety-first rules are shaping the future of MMA worldwide — and why this federation might just be the key to MMA’s Olympic dream. Plus, we’ll share a heartfelt story about a young Irish fighter gearing up to compete on the world stage, showing you exactly how IMMAF’s global footprint impacts real athletes like you.

Key Takeaways

  • IMMAF’s official headquarters is in Grono, Switzerland, but its real home is worldwide, spanning 123 national federations and countless gyms.
  • The federation’s mission is to standardize amateur MMA globally, focusing on athlete safety, fair competition, and Olympic recognition.
  • IMMAF’s partnership with BRAVE Combat Federation and others expands its reach, hosting major events from Las Vegas to Bahrain.
  • Strict amateur rules separate IMMAF from professional MMA, providing a safe, regulated environment for athlete development.
  • IMMAF’s global championships are the proving grounds for tomorrow’s MMA stars, offering a clear pathway from amateur to pro.
  • Curious about the best gear to start your MMA journey? Check out our top picks for training essentials in the MMA Ninja™ shop.

Ready to explore the world of IMMAF and discover where the heart of amateur MMA truly beats? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Here is the main body of the article, written according to your specifications.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About IMMAF’s Global Reach

Hey there, fight fans! Welcome to the MMA Ninja™ dojo. You’re asking, “Where is IMMAF located?” and while there’s a simple answer, the real story is a globe-trotting adventure. Let’s cut to the chase with some rapid-fire facts before we dive deep.

  • Official Headquarters: The administrative heart of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is officially located in Grono, Switzerland.
  • Legal Home: Despite the Swiss HQ, IMMAF was founded on February 29, 2012, and is registered as a non-profit organization under Swedish law.
  • Global Footprint: Don’t let the Swiss address fool you! IMMAF’s true location is everywhere. It’s a worldwide federation with 123 national federations under its wing, from Ireland to New Zealand.
  • Event Hotspots: IMMAF championships are held all over the planet. Recent and upcoming locations include Las Vegas (USA), Prague (Czech Republic), Manama (Bahrain), and Abu Dhabi (UAE).
  • The Big Goal: A major part of IMMAF’s mission is to get MMA recognized as an Olympic sport, which is a huge reason for its structured, global presence. As noted in the first YouTube video on the topic, they are actively working towards getting MMA into the 2028 Olympics as a demonstration sport.

🌍 The Genesis of Global MMA: A Brief History of IMMAF

immaf world map

Ever wonder how a sport goes from the wild west to a structured global phenomenon? That’s the story of IMMAF. Before 2012, amateur MMA was a patchwork of different rules, safety standards, and organizations. It was chaos, frankly. A young fighter in one country had no clear path to test their skills against the best from another.

Then, on February 29, 2012, the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation was born. It was a game-changer! Launched with significant support from the powerhouse of professional MMA, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), IMMAF set out to do for MMA what FIFA did for football: unite the world under one banner of governance. You can learn more about their mission in our deep-dive article, What Does the IMMAF Do? 10 Things You Didn’t Know (2025) 🥋.

Their goal wasn’t just to hold tournaments. It was to create a legitimate, safe, and fair ecosystem for amateur athletes to grow and develop. This is a crucial piece of the MMA History puzzle.

📍 Where in the World is IMMAF? Unraveling the International MMA Federation’s Location


Video: An In-Depth Walkthrough of the IMMAF Fighting Area.








So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. You typed in “Where is IMMAF located?” and you deserve a straight answer. But like a good triangle choke, it’s a bit more complex than it first appears.

🏢 The IMMAF Headquarters: The Nerve Center of Global Amateur MMA

The official, on-paper headquarters for IMMAF is in Grono, Switzerland. Think of this as the central command. It’s the administrative hub where the big decisions are made, the paperwork is filed, and the global strategy is orchestrated under the leadership of President Kerrith Brown.

But here’s a fun fact for you: you’re not going to find a massive, UFC-style performance institute there. IMMAF is a governing body, not a gym. Its power isn’t in a single building, but in its network.

🗺️ IMMAF’s Regional Presence: Expanding the Footprint Across Continents

Here at MMA Ninja™, we believe the real answer to “Where is IMMAF?” is in the gyms, cages, and communities of its 123 member nations.

IMMAF’s presence is felt most strongly wherever its events are held. Take, for example, the upcoming 2025 IMMAF Youth World Championships. Where’s that happening? Abu Dhabi. A GoFundMe page for a young Irish athlete, Sean Feery, highlights this perfectly. He’s fundraising to cover the costs to travel and compete, stating, “This prestigious event will take place in Abu Dhabi this coming July, providing me with an incredible opportunity to compete against the best young athletes from around the world.”

This is IMMAF in action. It’s in Galway, where Sean trains. It’s in Abu Dhabi, where he’ll compete. It’s in every country that sends its best young talent to the world stage.

🤔 What Exactly is IMMAF? Defining the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation


Video: AWESOME MMA Gym In RURAL Vietnam 🇻🇳 (Ninh Bình Is UNREAL).








IMMAF is the international governing body for amateur Mixed Martial Arts. Simple, right? But what does that mean? It means they are the guardians of the sport at the grassroots level. While promotions like the UFC and Bellator are the big leagues, IMMAF is the NCAA, the little league, and the Olympic development program all rolled into one.

🎯 Vision and Mission: Elevating Amateur MMA to New Heights

According to its official site, IMMAF’s mission is to unite athletes by setting high standards for safety, education, and fair competition. This isn’t just talk. They are obsessed with legitimacy. They want to ensure that when two amateur athletes step into the cage, they are doing so under the safest possible conditions, with clear rules and well-trained officials. The goal is to nurture the estimated 449 million MMA followers worldwide and provide a safe entry point into the sport.

🏛️ Governance and Structure: How IMMAF Operates Globally

IMMAF is a democratic, non-profit federation. Each member nation gets a say in how the organization is run. This structure is essential for its biggest ambition: getting MMA into the Olympic Games. The Olympic Committee doesn’t recognize sports run by for-profit companies; they recognize international federations. By creating this global, democratic structure, IMMAF is laying the groundwork for MMA’s Olympic future.

🤝 The Global Family: IMMAF Member Federations and Their Locations Worldwide


Video: DRC Faced Zimbabwe! Matunga Djikasa vs Elvis Moyo | FULL TITLE FIGHT | EFC 127.








IMMAF’s strength comes from its members. From the United States Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UMMAF) to the New Zealand Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NZMMAF), these national bodies are the boots on the ground.

✅ How National Federations Join the IMMAF Movement

A national federation can’t just sign up online. They have to go through a rigorous application process. IMMAF vets them to ensure they are legitimate, democratic, and committed to the standards of safety and fair play. This ensures that when a country is represented on the world stage, it’s by an organization that has earned its place.

🌟 Benefits of IMMAF Membership: Why National Bodies Get Involved

Why go through all the trouble? The benefits are massive:

  • Legitimacy: Membership grants a national federation official recognition as the leader of amateur MMA in their country.
  • Access to Competition: It’s the only way to get your athletes into the IMMAF World, Continental, and Youth Championships.
  • Standardization: Members adopt IMMAF’s unified ruleset, safety protocols, and coaching certification programs, raising the bar for everyone.
  • A Pathway for Athletes: It gives fighters a clear ladder to climb, from local events to the world championships.

🥊 Amateur vs. Professional MMA: IMMAF’s Crucial Role in Athlete Development and Safety


Video: Kickboxing Champion Leaves Glory for MMA — Success or Total Failure?







This is one of the most important topics in our Mixed Martial Arts Philosophy. What’s the difference between an amateur and a pro? IMMAF has a very clear answer.

An athlete is considered professional and cannot compete in IMMAF events if they have ever:

  • Held a pro MMA license.
  • Been paid a fee for fighting.
  • Competed against an opponent with a pro record.

This strict separation is key to protecting developing athletes.

🚀 The Pathway from Amateur Glory to Professional Stardom: IMMAF’s Contribution

Think of IMMAF as the ultimate MMA university. Fighters get to compete dozens of times against high-level international competition, honing their skills in a controlled environment. An IMMAF World Championship gold medal is one of the most prestigious honors an amateur can achieve. Many IMMAF alumni have gone on to successful pro careers in promotions like the UFC, Bellator, and PFL. Check out some of their journeys in our Fighter Profiles section.

🛡️ Athlete Safety and Regulation: A Core IMMAF Principle for Global MMA

This is where IMMAF truly shines. Their focus on safety is relentless and sets the standard for all of combat sports. As one expert in the featured video puts it, their medical protocols are “way above what any other combat sport is doing.”

Here’s a breakdown of their key safety rules, which differ significantly from the pros:

Feature IMMAF Amateur Rules Professional MMA (Unified Rules)
Gloves Heavier, more padded gloves to reduce impact. Lighter, 4-6 oz gloves designed for knockouts.
Elbow Strikes ❌ Strictly forbidden. ✅ Allowed.
Knees to the Head ❌ Strictly forbidden. ✅ Allowed (to a grounded opponent is illegal).
Certain Submissions ❌ Leglocks like heel hooks and spinal cranks (twisters) are banned. ✅ Most submissions are legal.
Round Length Three 3-minute rounds. Three or five 5-minute rounds.
Head Strikes (U18) ❌ Completely banned for youth competitors. N/A

Furthermore, they have mandatory medical suspensions after a knockout, ranging from four weeks to a full year, to protect athletes’ brains. This is top-tier MMA Coaching and governance in action.

🔗 Strategic Alliances: IMMAF’s Key Partnerships Shaping the Future of MMA


Video: 2021 IMMAF World Championships – Senior Finals | Full Event.








No organization succeeds alone. IMMAF has built powerful alliances to grow the sport. While they received initial backing from the UFC, their most prominent recent partnership has been with another major global player.

👑 BRAVE Combat Federation: A Powerful Partnership for Amateur MMA Growth

Since 2017, IMMAF has partnered with BRAVE Combat Federation, a promotion based in Bahrain. This was a masterstroke! It allowed IMMAF to host its World Championships outside of the USA for the first time, with Bahrain hosting in 2017, 2018, and 2019. This partnership has been instrumental in expanding MMA’s footprint in the Middle East and Asia, bringing top-tier amateur events to new audiences. You can follow developments like this in our MMA Industry News section.

🌐 Other Key Collaborators in the International MMA Ecosystem

IMMAF also works closely with anti-doping agencies to ensure clean sport, and with various sports commissions and government bodies to achieve official recognition. Every partnership is a step towards the ultimate goal: the Olympics.

🏆 The Pinnacle of Amateur MMA: IMMAF World and Continental Championships


Video: Top 10 MMA Knockouts | 2023 World Championships | IMMAF.








This is where the magic happens. IMMAF hosts a packed calendar of events that are the stuff of dreams for amateur fighters. These aren’t small-time local shows; they are massive, multi-day tournaments featuring hundreds of athletes from around the globe.

🗺️ Hosting Global Events: Where IMMAF Championships Take Center Stage

The federation hosts a wide array of championships, ensuring opportunities for athletes at all levels and ages:

  • World Championships
  • Youth World Championships (for ages 12-17)
  • Junior World Championships (for ages 18-20)
  • Continental Championships (European, Asian, African, Pan American, Oceanian)

These events have taken place in dozens of countries, truly making IMMAF a federation without borders.

🏅 The Prestige of IMMAF Medals: A Stepping Stone to MMA Stardom

Winning an IMMAF medal is a huge deal. It means you are one of the best amateur fighters in the world. Below is a look at the World Championships medal standings (note: data from Wikipedia excludes the 2016 & 2017 championships).

Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze
1 United States 6 1 7
2 United Kingdom 1 2 7
3 Sweden 0 7 2
4 Italy 1 0 6
5 Finland 3 1 1
6 Canada 2 1 2
7 Poland 1 1 3
8 Norway 0 3 1
9 France 0 1 3
10 South Africa 2 0 1

This table shows the incredible global diversity of talent in amateur MMA.

📈 Impact and Influence: IMMAF’s Role in MMA’s Olympic Ambitions


Video: Round of 32 Highlights: 2022 IMMAF World Championships.








Everything IMMAF does—from its headquarters in Switzerland to its safety rules and global tournaments—is built to achieve one monumental goal: getting MMA into the Olympic Games.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has a strict set of criteria for recognizing a sport. It requires a single, non-profit, international governing body with a robust anti-doping program, a clear set of rules, and a global footprint. Sound familiar? IMMAF is methodically checking every box. As highlighted in the first YouTube video, the organization’s integrity and structure are so strong that “many other sports could actually learn from IMMAF.”

This Olympic quest is the driving force behind IMMAF’s global strategy. It’s why they have a formal headquarters, why they partner with anti-doping agencies, and why they host championships on every continent.

🚧 Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating the Path to Global MMA Recognition


Video: Every amateur MMA fighter NEEDS to do this | IMMAF.








The road hasn’t always been easy. IMMAF has faced political challenges and the difficult task of uniting a sport that grew up with a rebellious spirit.

A significant challenge arose following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. In line with the international sporting community, IMMAF made the tough decision to suspend the memberships of the Russian and Belarusian federations, banning them from hosting or participating in events. This demonstrated IMMAF’s role not just as a sports federation, but as a member of the global community.

But the triumphs have been far greater. Growing from a handful of founding nations in 2012 to 123 members today is a monumental achievement. They have successfully created a safe and competitive environment for thousands of athletes, proving that MMA can be a disciplined, honorable, and globally recognized sport. The explosive growth of the sport, which the featured video describes as “very explosive, very dynamic” and “appealing to young people,” is a testament to their success.

✅ Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of IMMAF’s Global Presence and Future

World map exhibit showing

So, where is IMMAF located? The short answer: its official headquarters is in Grono, Switzerland, but its true home is the global MMA community—from gyms in Galway to arenas in Abu Dhabi, from national federations in 123 countries to the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. IMMAF is less a place and more a powerful movement, uniting amateur MMA under one banner with a clear vision: safety, fairness, and Olympic recognition.

Throughout this article, we’ve unraveled how IMMAF’s location is a network of people, events, and organizations spanning continents. Its Swiss HQ is the administrative hub, but the real action happens everywhere its athletes train and compete.

The federation’s strict amateur rules, safety protocols, and global partnerships (notably with BRAVE Combat Federation) have transformed amateur MMA from a fragmented scene into a respected, unified sport. The IMMAF World Championships and Youth events are the proving grounds for tomorrow’s MMA stars, and their Olympic ambitions are driving the sport’s evolution.

If you’re an aspiring fighter, coach, or fan wondering where to plug into this global network, the answer is clear: IMMAF is wherever the fight is—safe, regulated, and fiercely competitive.

Ready to gear up or learn more? Here are some top picks from MMA Ninja™ and beyond to fuel your MMA journey:

Must-Read Books on MMA and Athlete Development

  • The Fighter’s Mind: Inside the Mental Game by Sam Sheridan — Amazon
  • Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge by B.J. Penn and Glen Cordoza — Amazon
  • MMA Training Manual by Greg Jackson and Kelly Crigger — Amazon

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About IMMAF Answered

A close up of a map with red lines

What does IMMAF stand for in mixed martial arts?

IMMAF stands for the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation. It is the global governing body responsible for overseeing amateur MMA competitions, setting safety standards, and promoting fair play worldwide. Unlike professional promotions, IMMAF focuses on athlete development, safety, and uniting national federations under a single, standardized rule set.

Read more about “What Is Mixed Martial Arts Called? 🥋 Unlocking 20+ Names (2025)”

How can I contact the IMMAF headquarters?

The IMMAF headquarters is located in Grono, Switzerland. You can reach out to them via their official website’s contact page at immaf.org/contact. They provide email addresses for general inquiries, membership questions, and media relations. For specific national federation contacts, it’s best to visit the member federation directory on their site.

Where are IMMAF events usually held?

IMMAF events are truly global! Championships and tournaments have been hosted across multiple continents, including:

  • Europe: Prague (Czech Republic), London (UK), and others
  • Middle East: Manama (Bahrain), Abu Dhabi (UAE)
  • North America: Las Vegas (USA)
  • Asia, Africa, Oceania: Various continental championships

The location rotates to promote MMA worldwide and give athletes from different regions a chance to compete on home soil.

Is IMMAF recognized worldwide in MMA competitions?

Yes! IMMAF is recognized as the official international governing body for amateur MMA by many national sports authorities and commissions. It has formal partnerships with major organizations like the UFC and BRAVE Combat Federation, and it adheres to strict anti-doping and safety protocols aligned with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). IMMAF’s global membership of 123 national federations underscores its widespread acceptance.

How does IMMAF differ from professional MMA organizations?

IMMAF governs amateur MMA, focusing on athlete safety, education, and fair competition. Professional MMA organizations like the UFC promote paid fights with fewer restrictions on techniques and longer rounds. IMMAF prohibits certain dangerous moves (like elbows and knees to the head) and enforces strict medical suspensions to protect developing athletes.

Can athletes compete in both IMMAF and professional MMA?

Generally, no. IMMAF’s rules state that once an athlete has competed professionally or signed a pro contract, they become ineligible for amateur competitions under IMMAF. This separation ensures fair competition and athlete safety.

Read more about “The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation: Inside the Global MMA Powerhouse (2025) 🥋”

Thanks for rolling with us through the world of IMMAF! Whether you’re a fighter, coach, or fan, now you know exactly where IMMAF is—and more importantly, what it is: the beating heart of amateur MMA worldwide. 🥋🔥

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