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Yearning for some MMA highlights on a slow combat sports weekend? Say no more.

This past November, the 2018 IMMAF World Championships took place in Manama, Bahrain, with more than 350 athletes representing more than 50 countries, all vying for amateur MMA world titles.

The first IMMAF World Championships were held in 2014, and the level of competition continues to increase every year. Athletes compete with a modified ruleset that eliminates certain strikes such as elbows of any kind or knees to the head, while twisting leg attacks are also prohibited.

Seven-ounce gloves and shin guards are also instituted for added protection. Otherwise, the action is every bit as intense as the pro level (and could be a precursor to what MMA in the Olympics would look like).

Thanks to the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, you can check out a full recap of this year’s action, from start to finish.

The 2019 IMMAF World Championships return to Bahrain, kicking off on Nov. 9.

The Blue Corner is MMAjunkie’s blog space. We don’t take it overly seriously, and neither should you. If you come complaining to us that something you read here is not hard-hitting news, expect to have the previous sentence repeated in ALL CAPS.