NZMMAF Frequently Asked Questions
What is NZMMAF?
The New Zealand Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NZMMAF) is the national body working to support the safe, sustainable, and long-term development of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in New Zealand.
NZMMAF's work includes governance, policy development, education, officiating and coaching development, athlete welfare initiatives, national pathways, and building stronger connections across the MMA community, locally and globally.
Who can become a member?
NZMMAF offers membership for both individuals and organisations involved in Mixed Martial Arts.
Individual Membership ($50 per year)
Individual membership is available to:
- Fighters
- Coaches
- Officials
- Volunteers
- Administrators
- Supporters of the sport
Organisational Membership ($150 per year)
Organisational membership is available to:
- Gyms/clubs
- Event promoters
- Equipment and apparel suppliers
- Service providers
- Community organisations
- Other organisations connected to the MMA industry
Why should I become a member?
NZMMAF is the Sport New Zealand recognised national governing body for MMA in New Zealand.
Membership helps support the development of MMA in New Zealand and provides opportunities to stay connected with the wider MMA community.
Members receive updates on federation initiatives, national representation selection pathways, educational opportunities, policy developments, events, and other activities relevant to the sport.
Do I need to be a member to be eligible for NZMMAF national team selection?
Yes.
Athletes seeking eligibility for NZMMAF representative opportunities, including national team selection, must:
- Hold a current NZMMAF Individual Membership; and
- Be registered with an affiliated NZMMAF gym.
Additional selection criteria will apply depending on the event or representative opportunity.
What is an affiliated gym?
An affiliated gym is a gym that has been approved as an organisational member of NZMMAF and participates in the federation's membership framework and development initiatives.
Affiliated gyms play an important role in supporting athlete development and helping strengthen the MMA community throughout New Zealand.
How can I find out if my gym is affiliated?
A list of affiliated gyms is available on the NZMMAF website: https://www.nzmmafederation.nz/about/affiliates
If your gym is not currently affiliated, we encourage you to speak with your gym about joining NZMMAF.
How do organisations apply for membership?
Organisations can apply by creating an account through the NZMMAF Membership Portal and completing the organisational membership application process.
Is membership automatically approved?
No.
All membership applications are reviewed by NZMMAF before approval.
Registration application and payment do not automatically result in membership approval.
You will receive a confirmation of the outcome of your membership application by email.
Why does NZMMAF review membership applications?
Individuals and organisations seeking to become members of NZMMAF must be aligned with the federation's objectives, values, and commitment to the safe and sustainable development of MMA in New Zealand. NZMMAF maintains relationships with sport agencies such as the Sport Integrity Commission, TAB, and various international federations. These relationships give rise to obligations and expectation requirements on membership approval.
NZMMAF may ask Applicants to provide additional information during the review process.
Can a membership application be declined?
Yes.
NZMMAF reserves the right to approve, defer, or decline applications where it considers this necessary in the best interests of the federation and the sport.
Who are the voting members of NZMMAF?
Under the NZMMAF Constitution, the only voting members of NZMMAF can be affiliated gyms.
Affiliated gyms must satisfy conditions before their voting eligibility for general meetings is activated.
These conditions include:
- Acceptance of membership obligations that arise from NZMMAF relationships with Sport Integrity Commission (e.g., Sports Anti-Doping Rules) and other agencies
- Completion of NZMMAF National Officials Accreditation Framework education (Judge, Referee, Inspector courses)
- Completion of NZMMAF National Coaching Framework education
- Proven participation in MMA activities (e.g., fight shows)
- Prescribed duration of time since commencement of membership
All details of these conditions will be provided to affiliated gyms when their membership application is approved.
How do I renew my membership?
Membership renewal information will be provided through the NZMMAF Membership Portal prior to the expiry of your membership.
Visit the Membership Portal now to start the membership application process:
If you have any questions, please contact admin@nzmmaf.co.nz.