IMMAF representatives met with FFB President Dominique Nato, fourth from left, in Paris last month ©IMMAF

The French Boxing Federation (FFB) has received an approval to continue managing the sport of MMA, with the French Mixed Martial Arts Federation (FMMAF) acting as the recognised affiliate member of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF).

FMMAF, an internal body of the FFB, is expected to receive increased financial support as an indicator of the confidence in FMMAF by France’s Ministry of Sport. 

 "We would like to congratulate the FFB for all the hard work they have put into setting up our member FMMAF in France and developing the sport of MMA in France since 2020, despite the challenges caused by the Covid Pandemic," said IMMAF President Kerrith Brown.

"This renewal by the Ministry of Sport shows the quality of work and commitment the FFB has towards our sport. 

"We look forwards to continuing to support FMMAF in the development of MMA in France and look forward to seeing French athletes competing in MMA as the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris approach."

President Brown has also claimed France can be a "powerhouse" in the sport following a meeting with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) in Paris last month. 

IMMAF, FMMAF and UFC delegations met with Paris Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan at Paris City Hall last month ©IMMAF
IMMAF, FMMAF and UFC delegations met with Paris Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan at Paris City Hall last month ©IMMAF

FMMAF aims to continue its efforts to gain formal recognition and develop the sport through a campaign with the presence of key MMA players in France, including gyms and clubs, coaches, sports educators, recreational practitioners, and competitors - both professional and amateur. 

The governing body will also launch a new software solution for clubs and licensed members, allowing the start of federal training for coaches next month.

Amateur competitions are also scheduled to take place in five regional zones leading up to the French Championship, set to take place at the end of 2022.