Trinidad and Tobago is poised to solidify its status as the Caribbean’s premier mixed martial arts destination with the upcoming National Invitational MMA Championship. The landmark event, scheduled for January 31 at Woodbrook Youth Facility, will showcase elite amateur competitors from across the region under the official governance of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF).
This groundbreaking tournament represents a significant milestone in TT-MMAF’s strategic development plan, attracting participants from seven nations including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, and Venezuela. The championship will operate under IMMAF’s rigorous amateur standards with particular emphasis on athlete safety protocols and long-term development across youth, junior, and senior divisions.
TT-MMAF President Jason Fraser emphasized the event’s significance, stating: ‘This level of regional participation confirms Trinidad and Tobago’s growing reputation as a trusted host for international MMA competition.’ Fraser highlighted the federation’s progress in governance, officiating standards, and athlete development over the past two years as key factors in earning international recognition.
The competition will be overseen by Warren Gill, recently appointed Head Official for the IMMAF Pan-American Confederation. Gill brings extensive expertise from his position on the IMMAF international commission for referees and judges. He will lead a team of 30 nationally certified officials who completed TT-MMAF’s certification program in September 2025.
In parallel with the championship, the federation will host a Caribbean referees and judges course on January 29-30, facilitating knowledge transfer to 25 participants from across the region. This initiative underscores TT-MMAF’s commitment to regional development and standardization of MMA officiating practices.
The federation’s international standing has been further enhanced by multiple appointments within IMMAF’s governance structure, including Fraser’s position on the ethics commission. Looking ahead to 2026, TT plans to maintain its competitive presence with participation in the Pan American Championships in Mexico and official representation at the European Championships in Serbia.
TT-MMAF officials have issued a call for community and corporate support, noting that January traditionally presents sponsorship challenges for sporting events. Sustained backing is considered crucial for maintaining athlete development programs and continued international participation.