International Mixed Martial Arts Federation CEO Densign White has been nominated for the Leading Man Award in the annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards. This is the first time that amateur MMA has been represented in the prestigious, industry showcase.
Densign commented: "I am grateful for this nomination on behalf of IMMAF, which is a credit to the hard work and significant achievements of IMMAF's Members, our President, Board, Committees, staff and volunteers in the development of the sport of MMA. It is fantastic to see this work recognised in the flagship industry awards and I would like to thank the Fighters Only nominations panel for this acknowledgement"
White is accompanied by IMMAF Director of Regulatory Affairs, Marc Goddard, who has been nominated again for Referee of the Year. Marc is best known by MMA fans for his on-screen work with UFC and other major professional MMA promoters across the globe, but has also been an integral part of the development of amateur MMA and the education and licensing of officials with IMMAF since 2012. Indeed, referees that Marc has trained on the amateur circuit are now refereeing on top tier professional shows, including premier promotion UFC.
ABOUT DENSIGN WHITE
Densign White is a three-times Olympian with a Commonwealth Games gold medal in judo, and a twenty-year career in sports governance
Following 11 years as Chairman of the British Judo Association and stints as Head Sports Director for the European Judo Union and executive member of the British Olympic Association, White became IMMAF CEO in 2014.
Under Densign’s leadership the world MMA governing body has expanded to 110 member nations; grown its global competition calendar to 7 events per year; introduced a World Anti-doping Agency compliant, drug testing programme and created talent development pathways for MMA coaches and participants.
Under Densign’s charge, the IMMAF has fought a protracted battle for official sport recognition of MMA in order to obtain the same rights and benefits for participants as those of other sports. See petition here.
Major achievements have included IMMAF’s active contribution to aiding the legalisation of MMA in France this year and the launching of the first World Youth MMA Championships for 12 – 18 year olds in 2019.
Further to this, White stands on the Council of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) and is Chairman for Sporting Equals, which works to promote ethnic diversity in UK sport, representing MMA in both these forums.
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown commented: "On behalf of the IMMAF Board, I would like congratulate Marc Goddard and especially the CEO on his award nomination: Having worked closely with Densign for many years I can testify first hand to his passion and commitment to good governance and integrity in sport, always focussed on the rights and best interests of the athlete and those who participate. These are the drivers of IMMAF's goal to see MMA formally recognised as a sport. I could not think of a better person to lead our organisation in this charge."
ABOUT THE WORLD MMA AWARDS
The annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards sees a panel of experts select nominees across twenty categories, before MMA fans globally inherit the power to determine the winner through voting at www.worldmmaawards.com/ Awards are presented to winners each year at a prestigious live gala event attended by a who’s who of athletes, fighters, celebrities and other famous personalities in sports and entertainment. In response to the global pandemic, this year’s black-tie ceremony has been postponed until October.
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