Including Angola, 41 countries are represented at the 2022 International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Youth World Championships. A total of 498 athletes have registered to compete, a significant increase from the 2021 edition in Bulgaria with 331 athletes from 23 countries.

From August 17-20, 2022, all the 2022 IMMAF Youth World Championships fights will be held at the Jiu Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Fight fans can watch the event live at immaf.tv.

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Hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation, three categories of youth tournaments will be held under IMMAF Youth MMA Rules for 12 to 13-year-olds (Youth C), 14 to 15-year-olds (Youth B) and 16 to 17-year-olds (Youth A). The rule sets have been modified from the Unified Rules with respect to the developmental stage and safety of each age group as advised by IMMAF’s medical, coaching and regulatory affairs committees. 

The IMMAF does not permit head strikes for competitors under the age of 18. The standard will also increase as this year’s minimum technical level required of 14 to 17-year-olds will be Orange grade while Yellow grade will remain the requirement for 12-13-year-olds.

Registered athletes need to meet grading requirements and pass medical preclearance, the IMMAF’s eligibility process and pre-event weigh-ins to be entered into the tournament draw on August 16, 2022. That day, the finalized list of competitors and first day matches will be announced.

Angola is represented by nine athletes at the 2022 IMMAF Youth World Championships. Here is the list:

1. Joao Pedro Men’s M: Youth A Featherweight 65.8 kg (145 lbs)
2. Hernani Marques Airosa Men’s M: Youth A Welterweight 77.1 kg (170 lbs)
3. Ruben De Carvalho Men’s M: Youth A Flyweight 56.7 kg (125 lbs)
4. Erik Benson Men’s M: Youth A Welterweight 77.1 kg (170 lbs)
5. Sanderson Graca – Men’s M: Youth A Lightweight 70.3 kg (155 lbs)
6. Mayra Mota Lemos – Women’s F: Youth C 52 kg (115 lbs)
7. Emanuel Alfredo – Men’s M: Youth A Lightweight 70.3 kg (155 lbs)
8. Ricardo Pireza – Men’s M: Youth A Bantamweight 61.2 kg (135 lbs)
9. Helio Caio Men’s M: Youth A Bantamweight 61.2 kg (135 lbs)