Founded in 2012, IMMAF is the international governing body for amateur mixed martial arts (MMA). To date, IMMAF has 132 national federation members and four confederations. IMMAF is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code. The ITA now manages the entire testing programme for IMMAF, both for in-competition and out-of-competition doping controls. 

These tests are based on a bespoke risk assessment that takes into account all relevant factors, including the physiological profile and sporting specifics of Mixed Martial Arts. 

The administration of Athlete Biological Passports (ABPs) for MMA athletes and the processing of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) will also be handled by the ITA. In addition, it will strengthen IMMAF's anti-doping efforts with a long-term sample retention strategy that will allow selected samples to be stored and re-analysed for up to ten years from the date of collection. 

The ITA will also raise awareness of doping, promote the values of clean sport and help prevent doping among MMA athletes by establishing an education plan in line with WADA's International Standard for Education from 2024. 

"It gives me great pleasure to warmly welcome IMMAF as our newest partner at the ITA. Our dedicated team is committed to contributing to the development of a robust clean sport programme for mixed martial arts athletes as we begin this journey together for fair play," said ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen. 

"With a proven track record of managing anti-doping programmes for various combat sports, including karate, boxing, aikido, muaythai, judo, kurash, wushu, wrestling, kickboxing, savate, sambo and taekwondo, the ITA is well versed in tailoring strategies to meet the specific needs of these athletes. As we assume responsibility for the entire IMMAF anti-doping programme from 1 January 2024, we want to support IMMAF athletes with the best possible independent clean sport measures possible and ensure fair competition for years to come," he added.

Densign White MBE, the CEO of IMMAF, states: "The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is delighted to enter into a partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA) for the implementation of our anti-doping programme. As the only international governing body for MMA that is fully compliant with the WADA Code, we are proud of the progress our anti-doping programme has made. Athlete safety has always been of paramount importance to IMMAF and we strive to be best in class. The relationship with ITA will further enhance our good governance credentials and demonstrate our values in terms of transparency and integrity."