IMMAF President Kerrith Brown has visited Russia ©IMMAF

International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) President Kerrith Brown attended the Russian National Championships in Kemerovo on a visit to the country.

Brown also held talks on this year's European and Junior European Open Championships in Kazan, including with Tatarstan Sports Minister Vladimir Leonov.

He was greeted by Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Union of Russia President Radmir Gabdullin and met three-time sambo world champion Fedor Emelianenko, now considered a legend in MMA after 39 professional victories and numerous titles.

Other meetings carried out by Brown included discussions with Russia's vice-Minister of Sport Odes Baisultanov, on the future development of amateur MMA nationally.

He also met with the head of the Legal Department at the Russian Ministry of Sport.

Arseny Vlasov, an artist, produced a piece called "Production Raises MMA" with acrylic paints at the Russian Championships, which drew praise from Brown.

"MMA was born on a professional level, our task is to develop also an amateur one," said Brown.

"To do this, you need to show the development of culture in all areas of MMA.

"I think that such actions show this well, bringing creativity to our sport. 

"This is a new experience and it is very cool when you can show your cultural values with the help of such an art performance. 

"I applaud the work of Radmir Gabdullin's team. 

"In the International Federation, we support initiatives that, in a broad sense, help MMA to reach a higher level. 

"We would like such cultural events to be reflected in all competitions, if something similar was organised at the upcoming European Championships in Kazan." 

The European and Junior European Open Championships are due to take place between August 16 and 20. 

This will be the first IMMAF event to take place in Russia.