In a landmark move to enhance athlete safety and governance standards across amateur mixed martial arts, English MMA is proud to announce its official partnership with Safe MMA. This collaboration will apply to all affiliate events (amateur and professional) and marks a significant step forward in aligning amateur standards with those of professional sport.
Under this new initiative, all competing athletes will be required to register with Safe MMA and comply with annual medical examinations and blood testing protocols. These measures mirror the standards set by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and are designed to protect athlete health both during and outside of competition.
Safe MMA is widely recognised as a gold standard in athlete data management. Its systems record and monitor critical health metrics—including blood tests, eye exams, and brain scans—for mixed martial arts athletes. It also maintains a comprehensive concussion and medical suspension register, allowing event organisers to verify an athlete’s medical clearance before they are matched to compete.
“This partnership gives amateur EMMAA-affiliated MMA in England something it’s never had before: a centralised system for monitoring, managing, and educating around concussion and medical suspensions,” says Paul Reed for English MMA. “It’s not just about compliance—it’s about care, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.”
Athletes flagged in the register will receive tailored educational resources and support to aid their recovery and ensure a safe return to competition. Those familiar with the IMMAF pathway will recognise these protocols as standard practice, and English MMA aims to roll them out across all UK amateur events.
English MMA is already working closely with clubs, athletes, and event organisers who have embraced this initiative. The organisation invites others to join in setting a new benchmark for safety, transparency, and professionalism in amateur MMA.
Subscribe
