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| (Image Source: International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) |
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) confirms that the 2024 IMMAF World Championships will officially take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan this October, marking the first time the nation will host an IMMAF event. The news was announced at a press conference held last January 30, 2024, in conjunction with the MMA Association of Uzbekistan, which was attended by IMMAF President Kerrith Brown, IMMAF CEO Densign White MBE and IMMAF Board Member Wissam Abi Nader.
Brown said, "We are delighted to unveil Tashkent, Uzbekistan as the prestigious host city for the 2024 IMMAF World Championships. Building on the success of a brilliant 2023 for IMMAF competition, we continue to be the catalyst for producing MMA talent worldwide, making IMMAF the ultimate pathway ‘Where Stars Are Born’. We now look forward to uniting the global MMA community in Uzbekistan for an extraordinary celebration of skill and sportsmanship.” As preparation for this landmark event now begins, White stated, “As we embark on this journey to showcase the pinnacle of Amateur MMA on a global scale, Tashkent provides a fitting backdrop for the next chapter in our Championship’s legacy. The rich cultural tapestry of Uzbekistan and its fervent passion for martial arts align perfectly with our commitment to fostering the growth of MMA worldwide through the IMMAF pathway.”
With the IMMAF World Championships returning to the Asian continent for the fifth time in its history, Board Representative For Asia Wissam Abi Nader hails the rapid development of the sport within the region, stating, “It is excellent to see the development of mixed martial arts in Asia, propelled by the tremendous work being conducted by the Asian MMA Federation and member nations. Uzbekistan joins the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, becoming only the third nation from Asia to host IMMAF’s most prestigious competition.” Set to be held in October with competition dates to be disclosed in the coming months, the World Championships follows on from the Uzbekistan national team’s standout performance at the 2023 IMMAF Asian Championships where the nation secured 20 medals across Junior and Senior categories.
Supported by Uzbekistan’s National Olympic Committee and Ministry of Sport, the MMA Association of Uzbekistan are anticipating the largest Championships in IMMAF history with categories for Senior and Junior athletes. MMA Association of Uzbekistan Vice President Hasan Ergashev commented, “I extend my most heartfelt greetings to the IMMAF team, member federations and athletes who will be joining us in Uzbekistan. We look forward to making the 2024 World Championships the most successful and remarkable in IMMAF history.” The impressive stable of athletes currently representing Uzbekistan include the likes of Asian Champions including Musokhon Ziyadinov, Zafar Rashidov, Mukhlisa Nabijonova, and many more, all of whom will be aiming to carry their success from the Continental stage to the global platform. Expect the return of seasoned contenders from the 2022 IMMAF World Championships such as gold medallists Muhammad-ali Turguntoshev and Asrorbek Anvarjonov. Another hopeful returnee to watch out for is Ugiloy Jumanova, the IMMAF Asian Jr. Lightweight Champion who clinched silver in the 2022 IMMAF World Championships.
