The event was set to be held in Berlin from December 7 to 11, but following coronavirus countermeasures implemented this week in Germany organisers have decided to delay it out of "an abundance of caution for the health and welfare of the athletes and other participants".

It is now planned to stage the event in the German spring instead.

Germany's capital has enforced the so-called 2G rule for indoor sports facilities, meaning only those who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 may enter.

It comes with Germany's vaccinated rate below 70 per cent - one of the lowest marks in western Europe.

"While we are naturally disappointed that the event will not be staged as planned this December, we ultimately view the postponement as a positive as it will be an even bigger celebration of amateur MMA with even more athletes on the card," said GAMMA President Alexander Engelhardt.

"GAMMA is the federation that cannot be stopped, and we believe in making the impossible possible.

"During the pandemic we have thrived on flexibility, patience, and a never-say-die attitude.

"Part of our mission is to ensure a safe competition environment for MMA athletes worldwide, and that is why we have taken the decision to postpone until the spring of 2022.

"I can assure everyone that we will come back even stronger next year!"

The GAMMA World Congress is also set to be moved to 2022.

The tournament will still be referred to as the GAMMA World Championships 2021, with a 2022 event to take place later in the year.

In addition to two World Championships, GAMMA is also set to stage its continental competitions and the World Youth Championships in 2022.

Athletes from more than 100 countries were expected to compete in the competition at the Hotel Berlin Central District Venue.