One of the fundamental beliefs of the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts is joining forces with other organisations - including charities, institutional partners and non-Governmental bodies.

GAMMA believes that nothing in this world can be accomplished alone and that, together, we can all achieve more.

The governing body is open to partnership opportunities that promote sports as a force for good, peace, harmony and solidarity.


Anti-doping

GAMMA announced a "multi-year" contract with the International Testing Agency (ITA) in November 2020, which will see the ITA independently manage its anti-doping programme.

The governing body's core values of integrity, humility, respect, excellence, discipline, community and innovation means that clean and safe sport is a crucial aim.

It is hoped the deal will lead to all of GAMMA's anti-doping rules aligning with those of the World Anti-Doping Agency, as it bids to become a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code.

The deal includes an extension option, with the ITA set to cover areas including in-competition testing, results management, therapeutic use exemptions, risk assessment and test-distribution planning.

Another part of the arrangement will see the ITA roll-out an education programme for athletes and stakeholders, which will be integrated into GAMMA's digital platforms.

GAMMA signed a deal with the International Testing Agency in November 2020 ©GAMMA
GAMMA signed a deal with the International Testing Agency in November 2020 ©GAMMA

"By signing the agreement we show that the sport of MMA welcomes an independent body for doping controls and sanctioning," said GAMMA President Alexander Engelhardt.

"With the ITA agreement, GAMMA can ensure the independency of the programme, but more importantly, it shows its determination to fight against doping.

"Through ITA we have the highest level of expertise on clean sport available.

"This is the first step to facilitate synergies with other mixed martial arts promotions to promote harmonised anti-doping efforts under the ITA umbrella."

Benjamin Cohen, the director general of the ITA, said: "The ITA has a broad expertise in managing anti-doping programmes for combat sports.

"As part of our mandate to fight doping independently, we stand ready to support any organisation with its anti-doping efforts.

"We look forward to assisting GAMMA and providing them with the needed expertise and independence to establish a robust anti-doping programme."


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SANDSI

GAMMA works with Sport and Sustainability International (SANDSI) to promote greater environmental awareness and reduce the overall climate impact caused by MMA.

Another goal is to encourage sustainable and responsible consumption.

The governing body is a signatory to the Sports for Climate Action Framework under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

It works towards the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with environmental initiatives promoted so far including paperless tournaments and events and carbon-neutral banking.

Virtual meetings are held wherever possible, while online education is available on climate action.