Historic Day for Slovenian MMA
Historic Day for Slovenian MMA: New Association Structure Confirmed, Eyes Set on IMMAF European Championship
LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA – The Mixed Martial Arts scene in Slovenia achieved a significant milestone today with the successful conduction of the inaugural General Assembly of the MMA ZVEZA SLOVENIJE (MMA Federation of Slovenia).
The General Assembly was a resounding success, marking the official formalization of the Federation's structure and the adoption of ambitious plans for the coming years. Federation leaders expressed pleasant surprise at the overwhelming response and the commitment shown by clubs to collaborate under a unified national body. The Federation is proud to announce its strong foundational base, now uniting more than 20 member clubs from across Slovenia.
A Unified Path to Professionalism
During the assembly, the former President Zlatko Mahić reflected on the journey of the last five years, noting the remarkable progress made from having no registered fighters or clubs to the strong community present today.
This progress has been supported by notable achievements, including Slovenia’s strong showing at various IMMAF events, where our fighters proudly brought home medals. This success confirms the high quality of coaching and commitment within our country.
Furthermore, we introduced the first IMMAF Licensed Referee, Boris Španjol, and certified six Licensed Coaches.
Crucially, the assembly highlighted a shared commitment to excellence:
- Coaches' Commitment: All present coaches unanimously committed to pursuing further IMMAF certifications to elevate the level of instruction across the country.
- Expansion of Expertise: Several members expressed interest in taking official judges' courses to improve the quality and fairness of scoring at national events.
- Medical Safety Focus: The Federation will organize specialized medical training for 'cut men' and ringside personnel, ensuring the highest standards of safety and immediate care during competitions.
These commitments confirm that the sport is developing in the right direction, focusing on professionalism, safety, and regulation in line with IMMAF standards.
Focus on 2026: National Titles and European Stage
The Federation has immediately set its sight on a rigorous schedule for 2026:
- Slovenian National Championships: The Federation plans to host the inaugural National MMA Championship to establish a clear competitive structure and select the nation’s top talent.
- IMMAF European Championships: The Slovenian National Team is confirmed to participate in the prestigious IMMAF European Championships, scheduled to take place in Serbia in February 2026.
The ultimate goal of the Federation remains the full regulation of MMA in the country, ensuring that all members operate under official IMMAF standards and certifications.
MMA ZVEZA SLOVENIJE Official Board & Structure
The following structure was confirmed during the General Assembly:
President: Robert Zupančič (Statutory Representative)
Vice President (VP): Zlatko Mahič
General Secretary: Katja Vizjak
Head of Medical Commission: Dr. Ana Marija Ledinšek Mijatović
Head of Referee Commission: Boris Španjol (IMMAF Licensed Referee)
National Head Coach/Selektor: Miha Cičić
Management Board Members: The Management Board is composed of the President, Vice President, Ana Marija Ledinšek, Katja Vizjak, and Boris Španjol.
Supervisory Board: The control and oversight body consists of Boštjan Veinhandel, Matevž Logar, and Alen Štritof.
The new leadership looks forward to a period of unprecedented growth and success for Slovenian Mixed Martial Arts.