Ms. Rasha Mohammed Alkhamis Appointed Chairwoman of Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation
In a groundbreaking development for combat sports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) has officially announced the appointment of Ms. Rasha Mohammed Alkhamis as the new Chairwoman of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation. The historic decision is being hailed as a watershed moment not only for the advancement of mixed martial arts (MMA) within the Kingdom but also for the promotion of diversity and leadership by women across the international sporting community.
Ms. Alkhamis becomes the first woman ever to take the helm of the nation’s MMA governing body, further reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing inclusivity, sports governance, and empowering the next generation of athletes and leaders in combat sports.
In her new leadership role, Ms. Alkhamis will serve as the IMMAF’s official and sole representative in Saudi Arabia, solidifying the nation’s connection with the global framework of MMA development. The IMMAF has extended its gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and to His Highness Prince Fahad bin Jalawi, Vice President, for their role in enabling this forward-thinking appointment.
Quote:
“I believe this is a fantastic appointment and a great reflection of the growing diversity in sport within Saudi Arabia. It is encouraging to see a woman take on such a prominent leadership role as Chairwoman of the National MMA Federation. On behalf of the IMMAF Board, I warmly welcome her to the IMMAF family. We continue to champion diversity and the inclusion of more women in key leadership roles across the sport.
I would like to extend my congratulations on her appointment and wish her every success. She will have the full support of myself and the entire IMMAF Board as she begins this new chapter.
We also look forward to working closely with the Saudi Federation toward the continued development of MMA in the region, and we hope to see Saudi Arabia host a World Championships in the near future. Lastly, I would like to thank the outgoing president for all his efforts in building the federation to where it is today.” – Kerrith Brown, IMMAF President
Ms. Alkhamis brings an impressive résumé to her new position. With an extensive professional background in the consulting industry and a distinguished history of leadership in sports governance, she has been instrumental in breaking gender barriers within the combat sports ecosystem. Her accreditations include serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors at the Saudi Boxing Federation, a current member of the Asian Boxing Federation, and head of the Women’s Committee at the Arab Boxing Federation. Notably, her contributions have been recognized with a Guinness World Record for her persistent and innovative efforts.
Quote:
“Rasha Alkhamis is a trailblazing woman with a rich background in the consulting industry and a remarkable track record in the world of sports leadership. As a former Vice President of the Board of Directors at the Saudi Boxing Federation, a current member of the Asian Boxing Federation, and the head of the Women’s Committee at the Arab Boxing Federation, she has consistently broken barriers and earned prestigious honors, including a Guinness World Record. I am truly excited about the value she will bring to the Saudi MMA Federation, especially in championing women’s empowerment and driving meaningful progress through her unique and comprehensive skill set.” – Wissam Abi Nader, IMMAF Interim Vice President
Now part of the IMMAF’s global family, the Saudi MMA Federation joins a network of national federations committed to elevating MMA through structured development, transparent governance, and international competition. Ms. Alkhamis will serve as Chairwoman for the 2024–2028 term — a critical period during which the IMMAF continues its quest for International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognition and increased global exposure.
The IMMAF has expressed its dedication to working closely with Ms. Alkhamis and the Saudi Federation to establish sustainable growth pathways, boost athlete participation, and influence the strategic progression of MMA in both regional and global arenas.
With this historic appointment, Ms. Rasha Mohammed Alkhamis not only assumes a powerful leadership role but also becomes a symbol of progressive change and the boundless potential of women’s contributions in shaping the future of international sport.
Welcome to the IMMAF family, Ms. Alkhamis.
— Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
