The Bahrain delegation, represented by National Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) team and Khalid bin Hamad Mixed Martial Arts organization team KHK MMA, arrived here to participate in the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) European Open Championships of Amateur MMA held at the Arena of Sparta in Prague, from 22 to 26 November.

Mr. Khalid Abdulaziz Al Khayat, President of the Bahraini Mixed Martial Arts Association, stressed that the participation comes in compliance of the invitation from the IMMAF, which reflects the developed level of Bahraini MMA thanks to the efforts of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Honourary President of the Bahrain Mixed Martial Arts Association, founder of KHKA MMA Organization. This participation comes under the directive of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad AL Khalifa, to enhance Bahrain's position at different international gatherings, which reflects on the Kingdom’s position on the global map, he added.

"The unlimited support from HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad AL Khalifa has contributed to the distinguished appearance of Bahrain sports at various championships, through which many accomplishments were achieved. This is Bahrain fourth participation in a championship organized by the IMMAF, as Bahraini MMA confirmed its strong presence by achieving third position in the championships held Birmingham and Last Vegas,” he stated.

"In spite the championship having many amateur fighters from various countries participation, the Bahraini delegation will be participating with strong combat capabilities by fighting with the slogan #determination_strength_challenge and reach advance stages," Mr. Al Khayat said and expressed gratitude to the technical staff for preparing the fighters for this participation and wished success to Bahraini MMA.

Fighters Complete preparations

The National Mixed Martial Arts team and Khalid bin Hamad Mixed Martial Arts organization team KHK MMA, completed their preparations yesterday at the Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa MMA Hall in preparation for the championships.

As usual, coaches Renat Ahmad and Eldar Eldarov led the training sessions, and focused on giving the fighters doses of combat training inside the ring with emphasis on tactics that put pressure on the opponents weaknesses.

IMMAF 2

The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) European Open Championships is being hosted in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The IMMAF held the championship’s first edition last year at Birmingham from November 19-22. Bahraini fighter Hussain Ayad achieved third position and ranked fifth in the list of amateurs singles on the world level.

There are 29 countries with 178 fighters, 26 of which are female participating in this edition and will compete in the following weight categories listed by the IMMAF: Fly weight (125 lbs / 56.7 kg) - Super heavy weight (265 lbs / 120.2+ kg ) for men. Straw weight (115 lbs / 52.1 kg) - a lightweight - Light weight (155 lbs / 70.3 kg) for women.

The fights will be held with a 3 bouts x 3 minutes system, and in case of a tie, then the score is calculated through the championships technical system http://www.splitdraw.com

The lottery system is based on the weight category according to the number of fighters and is as follows:

- 6 or more fighters in weight category: individual elimination: Number of medals 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze and 1 repeated bronze that could be won.

- 3, 4, 5 fighters in a weight category: "Round Robin": Number of medals 1 gold, 1 silver, bronze and 1 repeated bronze that could be won.

- 2 fighters: gold medal fights only.

Fighters will be classified in the IMMAF amateur global rankings at the end of the fight which requires participation from two different countries in the same weight category, and names of the fighters will be listed from position 1 to 8 in the championship for every category/weight.