The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) in partnership with Las Vegas’ own Tuff-N-Uff: “The Future Stars of Mixed Martial Arts,” is presenting the first-ever amateur Mixed Martial Arts World Championships during UFC International Fight Week™ on Monday, June 30to Saturday, July 5. The IMMAF selected Tuff-N-Uff to co-present this competition because of their excellent reputation and prominence in combat sports.
The five-day IMMAF World Championships kicks off at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) inside the Cox Pavilion on Monday, June 30.
IMMAF Tickets are available now through UNLVTickets.com for $10 per adult and $7 for children (10 and older) per day Monday, June 30 –Thursday, July 3. A four-day pass package is available for $35 per adult and $25 per child (10 and older). Facility fees not included.
For the World Championship finals, which take place Saturday, July 5, the IMMAF takes center stage at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center as part of the UFC Fan Expo. Athletes in their respective weight classes will enter the world famous eight-sided competition ring to win the first-ever IMMAF gold medal.
Access to the IMMAF World Championships Saturday, July 5, is available through the purchase of a UFC Fan Expo Pass for $45 online at www.ufcfanexpo.com or on site the day of the event for $50.
Bertrand Amoussou, President of the IMMAF, will attend the IMMAF World Championships and deliver welcoming remarks on opening day, Monday, June 30 at 12:45 p.m.
IMMAF Secretary General Erika Mattsson has been on site in Las Vegas and is looking forward to the tournament:
“This World Championship is an amazing project that has brought together people from across the world, working tirelessly pro-bono for over a year to make it happen, sharing in their love for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts,” said Erika Mattsson, Secretary General, IMMAF. “Hosting a five-day championships tournament in MMA that meets international sports standards is something that has never been done before. I am so proud of my team and we are very excited to be able to welcome athletes from 25 countries and hope that both the athletes and the general public will enjoy the tournament.”
Following is the official IMMAF World Championship schedule of events:
Monday, June 30 – Wednesday, July 2
Location: Cox Pavilion, UNLV
12:00 pm: Doors open to public
12:45 pm.: IMMAF President Bertrand Amoussou delivers opening remarks
1:00 pm: First matches, simultaneously taking place in two (2) competition rings
*Approximately 34 matches taking place; estimated duration of day is four – five hours
Thursday, July 3
Location: Cox Pavilion, UNLV
11:00 am: Athletes begin reporting to Cox Pavilion to prepare for competition
12:00 pm: Doors open
1:00 pm: First matches – one competition ring only
8:00 pm: Participants check-out of UNLV dormitories to check-in to Excalibur Casino
Note: Estimated 17 matches taking place; estimated duration is four – five hours
Saturday, July 5*
10:05 am: First couple of finals. Ends no later than 12:55pm
IMMAF Takes A Break in the Action For The Ultimate Fighter 19 Weigh-ins
1:00 – 1:45pm: TUF 19 Weigh-Ins, Mandalay Bay Events Center/Inside UFC Fan Expo
2:00 pm: Remaining finals. Ends no later than 3:20pm
Following the last match, an IMMAF Medals and World Championships closing ceremony will commence.
*All matches are live and subject to change. Which weight classes will be having finals on the Saturday is decided by the official tournament draw on Sunday June 29th and will be publicized on www.immaf.org/worldchampionships
The UFC tentatively has reserved the Madison Square Garden on April 23rd for a highly anticipated Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier rematch at UFC 198 without knowing for certain whether or not New York will allow the UFC to host an event there.