Embassy: Iran didn't send athletes to MMA tournament in Khankandi

Iranian athletes did not take part in the mixed martial arts competition in Khankandi, Azerbaijan, the Iranian Embassy in Baku said in a statement, Report informs.

In connection with the participation of several individuals, who posed as Iranian citizens, in martial arts competitions on December 28, 2021, in Khankandi, Azerbaijan, we would like to inform you that MMA (mixed martial arts) is not officially recognized in the Islamic Republic of Iran due to its violent nature, as well as its connection with gambling, and is among the banned games.

Therefore, this type of martial art has no federation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Those involved in it operate secretly and illegally.

The participants of the competitions held on December 28 in Khankandi, Azerbaijan, have nothing to do with the Ministry of Sports of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they participate in competitions illegally anywhere in the world.

The embassy reiterates that there is no connection between the participation of these individuals in the illegal competitions in Khankandi and the policy of the Ministry of Sports and Youth of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” reads the statement.