Zimbabwe has become a member of the IMMAF ©IMMAF

Zimbabwe has been announced as the latest nation to join the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF).

The IMMAF confirmed the Zimbabwe Mixed Martial Arts Association (ZMMAA) has been approved as a member.

The organisation is led by Felix Munyaradzi Matsitsiro, who serves as ZMMAA President.

The IMMAF says ZMMAA has targeted developing and enforcing regulation of mixed martial arts in the nation, as well as overseeing the growth of the sport.

Plans have been outlined to promote the sport in line with IMMAF values, with a key focus placed on youth development.

The IMMAF said the national organisation will seek to install values of respect and self-improvement amongst the youth of Zimbabwe through the sport.

The establishment of the ZMMAA was supported by fundraising efforts.

Fundraising took place at social events and music festivals, as well as sponsor donations and annual membership fees.

The ZMMAA is now expected to arrange National Championships, which will help qualify athletes for international events run by IMMAF.

The ZMMAA is expected to regulate the sport and oversee athlete development ©IMMAF
The ZMMAA is expected to regulate the sport and oversee athlete development ©IMMAF

Education and official certification of coaches has been outlined as an early priority for the organisation.

The IMMAF has hailed the addition of ZMMAA as a member, as the organisation seeks to strengthen its position in Africa.

Zimbabwe is now the 19th member from the continent.

The nation joins Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia and Nigeria.

Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia and Zambia are also African members of the IMMAF.