International Mixed Martial Arts Federation signs up to the World Anti-Doping Code

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to announce that the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation has become the latest Signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), becoming the first organization to do so under the revised Policy for Acceptance of New Signatories that came into effect at the beginning of 2021.

In accordance with Article 23.1.3 of the Code, any organization having significant relevance in sport may submit an application to WADA to become Signatory. The application is reviewed under the revised policy, which was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee in September 2020 and came into force at the same time as the revised Code on 1 January 2021.

WADA President Witold Bańka said: “WADA is pleased to welcome the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation into the Clean Sport community. In signing the Code, it joins the approximately 700 sports organizations that have already pledged their support to the harmonized global anti-doping movement.

“We would particularly like to acknowledge the efforts that have been made by IMMAF to bring this to fruition. In order to gain approval under the terms of the revised policy, the federation needed to go through a stringent process. This included the assessment by independent experts of its level of good governance, a review of its application by WADA’s newly created Signatory Expert Group – which is independent from WADA Management – and the completion of an extensive Code Compliance Questionnaire to demonstrate the quality of its anti-doping program. This is a positive step for IMMAF and its athletes, who will now enjoy the protection afforded by the Code.”

The Code is the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organizations and among public authorities around the world. It works in conjunction with eight International Standards which aim to foster consistency among anti-doping organizations in various areas.