The 2023 IMMAF Youth MMA World Championships were held at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi from August 2 to 5. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this event brought together 636 athletes from 45 countries. Divided into three categories by age—Youth C (12-13 years), Youth B (14-15 years), and Youth A (16-17 years)—the event highlighted young talent in mixed martial arts, with a modified rule set that ensured the safety of participants, particularly prohibiting head strikes for under-18 competitors. The UAE national team performed admirably, securing four medals, including a gold medal by Saif Alblooshi in the Youth C 40kg division. The event was live-streamed on IMMAF.TV and included exclusive coverage of all matches. With the support of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its position as a leading hub for international sports, showcasing its capabilities to host large-scale mixed martial arts events.
