Ike Lawrence Epstein made a statement as a renewed partnership for 2017 between the two organisations was made public.
“We are pleased to extend our partnership and continue our global support of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation through 2017. In the five years since IMMAF launched in 2012, it has quickly expanded its footprint to more than 65 countries worldwide, consistently promoting higher safety and regulatory standards and greater recognition of the sport and its many incredible athletes. In addition, IMMAF’s annual African, Asian, European and World championships routinely attract the world’s top amateur mixed martial arts athletes, providing a high-level platform for top tier international talent to gain exposure and compete. UFC is grateful to have partnered with IMMAF in delivering these world-class events and will continue to lend its support and expertise to drive awareness and elevate the sport of MMA.”
IMMAF president Kerrith Brown, while in Aarhus, Denmark at the 2017 SportAccord Convention trying to gain support for the IMMAF bid for sport recognition stated:
“On behalf of IMMAF, I would like to thank the UFC for its ongoing support which demonstrates a serious commitment to the development of MMA at all levels and concrete belief in social responsibility. A renewed partnership with the world leading pioneer of the sport is a true accolade to IMMAF’s work and achievements so far.
“I would also like to thank new UFC owners, WME | IMG, for their support of the UFC–IMMAF partnership. The expertise that WME | IMG bring across sports, talent development, event management, media and sponsorship are invaluable to the further growth of MMA.
“As IMMAF continues to strive for sport recognition, with the regulatory empowerment and benefits to participants that come with it, I feel strengthened by the knowledge that we make this journey with UFC by our side.”
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