Slovak flag at the IMMAF table: Marek Herda in Tbilisi during the World Championships

While the cage action in Tbilisi heads towards the finals, decisions about the sport’s future were being made in a conference room. Slovakia had a seat there.

The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation held its 2026 General Assembly in the Georgian capital on 6 November, on the sidelines of the IMMAF World Championships (1–7 November). Slovakia was represented by Marek Herda – President of the Slovak MMA Association, Vice President of IMMAF Europe, CEO of the MAMMAL MMA League and promoter of TITAN FIGHT NIGHT.

On the table: the federation’s annual report, its finances and plans for the seasons ahead.

A record year for amateur MMA

The numbers speak for themselves. 881 athletes are competing at the Worlds in Tbilisi. In August, more than 1,100 young fighters from 55 countries took part in the Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi. And February’s European Championships in Belgrade delivered more than 1,000 athletes and around 1,200 bouts.

It was also in Belgrade that Europe elected its own leadership for the first time: Luka Nikolić of Serbia as President, with Marek Herda of Slovakia and Jo-Anne van der Vlugt of the Netherlands as Vice Presidents.

“International success does not begin when you step into the cage at a world championship. It begins in the club, at the first training session, with quality refereeing and a safely organised competition,” said Herda.

Could Slovakia host a major event?

Herda did not rule it out – but was careful not to overpromise. Hosting a bigger amateur MMA event would require preparation, the right venue, partners and meeting IMMAF’s requirements. No championship has been awarded to Slovakia so far.

“If we are ready for this work, we can also bid to host a more significant event in Slovakia,” he said.

For Slovak fighters, the message is clear: the road to the world stage runs through a strong domestic system – and Slovakia now has a voice where that road is being shaped.

Read also

• Kuzma brings historic bronze from Tbilisi (SK)
• Marek Herda elected Vice President of IMMAF Europe (SK)
• IMMAF European Championships 2027 in Belgrade (SK)
• MAMMAL MMA League · MAMMAL Ground · Slovenský zväz MMA