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The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) have announced the addition of two further member federations, bringing the total number of international federations under the IMMAF banner to an impressive 47.

IMMAF are set to host the second series of MMA’s World Amateur Championships in Las Vegas, USA next month; in collaboration with the UFC’s International Fight Week and will be available to view online via UFC Fight Pass.

Press release:

The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation welcomes two new members; the Mixed Martial Arts Federation Australia and Azerbaijan Pankration Grappling and MMA.

Mixed Martial Arts Federation Australia

The Mixed Martial Arts Federation of Australia (MMAFA) has been formed in order to support the IMMAF and provide a national structure for MMA in Australia.

The MMAFA leadership comprises an experienced team committed to growing MMA in Australia. The federation is headed by President Joe Minehan, who has coached athletes to Olympic level. Minehan is supported by Cameron Quinn one of Australia’s most senior and experienced combat referees; Stewart Brain, Olympic athlete and coach; and Justin Lawrence, promoter of XFC, Australia’s longest running MMA organisation founded 2003.

On behalf of the MMAFA, Joe Minehan said:

“We support the IMMAF in growing the sport to enable cohesive global competition. We applaud and support the aim of the JMMAF to have an official place for MMA in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.”

Azerbaijan Pankration Grappling and MMA

Azerbaijan Pankration Grappling and MMA was officially established in December 2006, with the purpose of developing Pankration, Grappling and MMA in Azerbaijan. The federation is structured as a non-profit, sports organistion governed by the General Assembly and with an active administration. It is registered with the Ministry of Justice and accredited by the Ministry of Sport and Youth.

The APGMMA is presided over by President Azad Asgarov, one of the first professional MMA athletes in Azerbaijan and founder of the federation in 2006.

The governing body has 42 member clubs across the country, with the estimated number of participants standing at 4000 persons. There is no specific state regulation in relation to MMA, which is governed by general sports laws of the Azerbaijan Republic.