The Emirates News Agency reported that the 7th edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships commenced on August 17 at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. The tournament is scheduled to continue until August 23 with a series of amateur mixed martial arts matches across various weight divisions. Local organizers have partnered with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation to stage the event in the capital for the latest edition in an ongoing series.
IMMAF data shows more than 1,100 athletes registered to compete in the youth divisions during the eight-day program. The competitors fall into Youth A, B, C and D categories that align with age ranges from 12 to 17 years old. Event registration through the Smoothcomp platform closed in early August after drawing entries from numerous nations.
Previous IMMAF records indicate the Youth World Championships returned to the Abu Dhabi region after the 2025 edition took place at the Al Ain Convention Centre. That tournament featured several days of competition that highlighted the growing international participation in youth MMA. The 2026 edition shifts back to central Abu Dhabi at the Mubadala Arena within Zayed Sports City.
A promotional overview on the IMMAF website noted that the championships will be broadcast live on IMMAF.TV for international viewers. National federations have sent delegations and support staff to accompany the young athletes throughout the week. Competition rules emphasize amateur standards and age-appropriate matchups to support athlete development.
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation has contributed to hosting arrangements for the event, according to multiple IMMAF announcements. Mubadala Arena offers modern facilities capable of managing the volume of bouts and spectators expected over the coming days. Opening events on the first day included formal proceedings to mark the beginning of the championships.
Organizers expect the schedule to feature preliminary rounds early in the week followed by medal bouts closer to the conclusion on August 23, an IMMAF preview indicated. Past youth championships staged in the UAE have established a benchmark for well-managed international competition in the sport. Additional updates on results and standout performances are anticipated as the tournament advances.
