Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation has reaffirmed that the seventh IMMAF Youth World Championships will proceed as planned at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 23 August, following constructive discussions with UAE authorities.
In an open letter to the global MMA community, IMMAF president Kerrith Brown reported that he and vice-president Wissam Nader had met Abdulmunem Al Hashmi, president of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UAEJJF), along with the Local Organising Committee.
"We had very positive and productive discussions covering preparations for the Youth World Championships, the continued development of mixed martial arts in the UAE, and the ongoing partnership between IMMAF and the UAE Federation," Brown said in a statement posted on the IMMAF website.
He emphasised that "the Local Organising Committee is well prepared and fully committed to welcoming the IMMAF family to Abu Dhabi", noting that the same team is currently finalising arrangements for the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships that will draw thousands of athletes next week.
Brown also attended the recent UAE Warriors event and observed preparations for the UFC Fight Night 282 card staged in the capital last Saturday, describing these as clear evidence of the UAE's proven capacity to stage major international sporting occasions.
The aforementioned event were part of the Abu Dhabi Showdown Week and impressed every stakeholder and the who's who of the MMA fraternity.
Drawing on his own visit, the IMMAF president offered personal reassurance: "Our journey was straightforward; Dubai International Airport was operating normally, hotels were busy, and from everything we have seen on the ground, daily life in Abu Dhabi continues as normal."
Acknowledging understandable anxiety among some national federations and families arising from recent regional developments, Brown stressed that "the safety and wellbeing of our young athletes, officials and families will always remain IMMAF's highest priority".
Based on the meetings, the organisers' confidence and his first-hand observations, he confirmed that "preparations for the IMMAF Youth World Championships continue to progress well. The organisers are confident in their ability to deliver a safe and successful event".
As a statement of sorts on those still wondering about the ease of travel, Brown said he has returned but has been booked to come back by 5 August for a more hands-on approach in the run-up to the Championships.
In the interim, IMMAF will continue to monitor the situation in close partnership with the UAE Federation and relevant authorities, keeping all national federations informed of any significant developments.
"We look forward to welcoming the IMMAF family to Abu Dhabi and thank all National Federations for their continued trust and support," he said in his note.
