The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the only global governing body for MMA recognised by WADA, will be returning to South Africa in April for the fourth edition of its Africa Championships and its first tournament on the continent since 2019.
Hosted by national federation, Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMASA), and in partnership with the EFC Performance Institute, the continental championship will be broadcast live from EFC’s studios in Johannesburg between Thursday 28 and Saturday 30 April 2022 on immaf.tv. Africa’s homegrown EFC is renowned globally for its live, professional MMA events. With over 120 contracted athletes on its roster the promoter has sold out some of the biggest arenas on the continent.
IMMAF’s return to Africa demonstrates the world governing body’s intention to continue investing in the development of grassroots MMA in the region. Affiliated African nations include Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as IMMAF has continued its expansion throughout the pandemic.
Team South Africa has enjoyed success on the IMMAF global circuit and was sitting in the Top 10 of the World Amateur MMA Rankings in 2019, prior to travel restrictions.
The 2022 Africa Championships will be IMMAF’s first closed tournament on the continent, open only to amateur athletes from African nations.
Registration will open week commencing 21 February 2022. Athletes wishing to participate should contact their IMMAF affiliated, national federation.
