Emirati athlete Rakan Alyammahi surged to victory on the third day of the IMMAF Youth World Championships, capturing gold in the Youth B Men’s 44kg division at Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena. Alyammahi secured the top spot after a hard-fought final against Ireland’s Roman Verhoeven. His teammate, Mustafa Almaqboul, added to the host nation’s success by earning a bronze medal in the same weight class.
These latest podium finishes brought the UAE Mixed Martial Arts National Team’s total medal count to 17, a tally that now includes six gold, five silver, and six bronze medals. The ongoing championship, which features over 1,100 athletes representing 55 nations, transitioned into the Youth B category for 14- to 15-year-olds on Wednesday.
Mohammed Hussein Al Marzooqi, a board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized the strategic value of the event. He noted that hosting the tournament annually allows Abu Dhabi to refine its organizational capabilities, share expertise with international medical and coaching staffs, and solidify the city’s reputation as a premier global hub for combat sports.
The growth of the sport was also highlighted by Raed Jameel Abbas, President of the Iraqi Mixed Martial Arts Federation. Abbas observed that the tournament serves as a vital educational platform where young competitors develop essential life skills, including self-discipline, respect for rules, and personal responsibility, while demonstrating to families the safety and professionalism inherent in modern MMA.
For the Alyammahi family, the sport has become a shared pursuit. Rakan and his brother, Khaleifah—who is competing in the Youth C Men’s 48kg category—began training after their parents encouraged them to channel their natural energy into structured martial arts. Rakan, who has now secured one gold and one silver medal over his four-year competitive career, credited his brother and their shared gym environment as critical components of his ongoing success.
The tournament also serves as a bridge for the next generation of athletes, supported by parents who view the sport as an opportunity to fulfill their own past ambitions. Anup Kalita, whose son Kunal is competing in the Youth B 62kg division, expressed his commitment to supporting his children’s athletic journeys. “I will support them in every way I can. I hope my son can continue in the sport, compete professionally one day and win many medals,” Kalita said.
Reflecting on the intensity of the competition, Armenian team member Arin Hakobyan noted the pressure of performing after months of rigorous preparation. He described the experience of competing against elite peers as a defining moment that validates the importance of every training session and the support of his family and coaches.
The Youth B competition is scheduled to conclude on Thursday. Following the completion of these bouts, the championship will shift its focus to the Youth A category, featuring athletes aged 16 to 17, starting Friday. The report also notes that with the opening day featuring a series of competitive bouts that tested the athletes’ ability to adapt to different opponents and make quick decisions under pressure, the Youth B category is being contested over two days. The report also notes that “It brings together national teams, coaches, referees, medical teams and organisers from around the world, giving everyone the opportunity to share knowledge and learn from each other. The report also notes that “At this age, it is not only about competition. The report also notes that this also helps encourage more young people to take up the sport.”.
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