IMMAF has announced that it has struck a landmark deal with Bahraini MMA organization Brave Combat Federation.
The organization, which acts as the international governing body for amateur mixed martial arts, confirmed to Fighters Only that it had signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Brave CF, which they described as a “landmark support package” that will “ensure IMMAF has substantial financial backing to allow the organization to continue its fight toward Olympic recognition.”
The deal marks an elevation in the ongoing partnership between the two brands, with the two organizations working together since the 2017 Brave International Combat Week. Most recently, IMMAF and Brave CF partnered up for a huge week of MMA in Belgrade that featured the the 2022 IMMAF World Championships and Brave CF 69 at the Serbian capital’s Stark Arena.
A release from IMMAF stated, “Now coming together in an official capacity, IMMAF and Brave CF will collaborate on multiple levels, including coach development and the training of licensed IMMAF officials.
“It is also the aim of this exciting new agreement to formalise the pathway from amateur level, giving IMMAF athletes unparalleled opportunities to transition seamlessly to the professional ranks. In the past, several IMMAF stars have gone on to successfully compete on the Brave CF platform, including Muhammad Mokaev, Shamil Gaziev, Axel Sola, Jose Torres, and Issa Isakov.
“IMMAF and Brave CF will also align their media efforts to create a more dynamic offering for the global MMA media.”
IMMAF is also set to confirm the dates for their 2023 championship events, including Africa, Asia, Europe, Pan-America and Oceania, plus the 2023 IMMAF World Championships. Already confirmed are the 2023 IMMAF Youth World Championships, which will take place from August 2-5 in Abu Dhabi.
“Brave CF has contributed greatly to the development of IMMAF having hosted three IMMAF World Championships and a World Team Championships (the MMA Super Cup),” said IMMAF president Kerrith Brown.
“I am delighted that Brave CF has decided to move their support to the next level with this sponsorship agreement.
“This support will allow the good work already done to continue and solidify our position as the only legitimate international governing body for amateur MMA. Through mutual collaboration and leveraging of resources, Brave CF will undoubtedly accelerate our continued growth across the globe and toward Olympic recognition.
“I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to Brave CF President Mr. Mohammed Shahid and His Royal Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.”
Brave Combat Federation president, Mohammed Shahid, added, “Brave Combat Federation and IMMAF have a long-standing partnership that dates back to 2017, when we first hosted the World Championships as part of the Brave International Combat Week in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“The vision of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and that of IMMAF under president Kerrith Brown and the board are the same: to build a unified global sports ecosystem for mixed martial arts.
“For the past decade, IMMAF has shown the result from the education of MMA to grassroots development programs along with consistent international events. They are truly the governance of our sport.
“Together, Brave Combat Federation and IMMAF believe the sport of MMA can be recognized under the IOC and we also believe we can create a sports economic structure under one umbrella and ring MMA closer to the sports industry rather than the event business it is today. Together, we will expedite the development of the sport at every level.”
