Murtaza Talha Ali (photo via IMMAF)

By press release

The new Mixed Martial Arts Association Netherlands (MMAAN) has been awarded membership by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF).

Chaired by Mischa Van Der Meer, the MMAAN has already established core technical commissions tasked with developing the sport of MMA and its governance in the Netherlands. Notably, recently appointed board director, Rodney Van Der Vlugt, heads the Commission for the Development of MMA Coaching and Training. Der Vlugt is an IMMAF-certified coach and gym owner with a brown belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu under Carlson Gracie.

The Netherlands has a tremendous heritage in martial arts as one of the world’s foremost hotbeds for kickboxing. While MMA is a fairly new yet growing sport in the country, MMAAN is committed to implementing legitimate foundations for its governance and development.

Van Der Vlugt stated:

“MMA is starting to get traction but lacks structure, hence my application to start a national federation under IMMAF in the Netherlands. Events should be structured correctly, and coaches require universal processes and the tools to teach their students. Our first step is to establish relationships with all Dutch MMA clubs in order to openly share and discuss our vision for good governance with all involved.”

President Kerrith Brown said:

“With the Netherlands renowned as a hotbed for combat sports talent in Europe, IMMAF is excited to see the establishment of a national federation in the Netherlands to safeguard the development of the sport of MMA as it continues to grow in popularity in the country. The nation’s participation in IMMAF Championships can be anticipated to bring another dimension to the striking aspect of the game and present some interesting challenges to wrestling’s current dominance across our divisions.”