A New Era in Combat Sports
The crowd held its breath as Max Stary from The United States squared off against Amir Serik from Kazakhstan in the final round of an international U18 youth MMA tournament in Jakarta Indonesia. Their journey—years of dedication, training, and sacrifice—culminated in this moment. Friends, family, and coaches watched eagerly as the future of MMA unfolded before their eyes. These young athletes weren’t just fighting for medals; they were proving that youth MMA is more than a sport—it’s a movement shaping the next generation of world-class athletes.
Youth MMA Is Exploding – With Athlete Like Max Stary Leading the Charge
Youth MMA is experiencing unprecedented global growth, with participation numbers skyrocketing. According to a 2023 report by the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA Worldwide), youth MMA participation has increased by 35% in the past five years. In the U.S. alone, the number of registered youth MMA athletes has more than doubled since 2018, with over 50,000 young fighters now competing in sanctioned events. Europe and Asia have seen similar booms, with countries like Russia, Thailand, and the Netherlands investing heavily in youth MMA development.
Unlike traditional combat sports, MMA provides a well-rounded athletic foundation, combining wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, and kickboxing into one discipline. This diversity attracts young athletes who seek a dynamic and strategic approach to competition. As a result, more parents are recognizing the sport’s benefits, from discipline and fitness to self-confidence and resilience.
The Global Résumé of Max Stary
Max Stary’s record isn’t just impressive—it’s historic. As of 2024, he holds a youth MMA and pankration record of 83-5, with a whopping 44 submission wins on Smooth Comp and a perfect 1-0 kickboxing debut. Here’s a snapshot of his achievements:
- 🥇 GAMMA U18 World Champion, 145 lb. (2024)
- 🥈 IMMAF Silver Medalist, Abu Dhabi, UAE (2023)
- 🇺🇸 2024 USFL National Champion – Ontario, CA
- 🇬🇷 GAMMA Youth World Champion, Greece (2023)
- 🥇 3-Division Federation Pangration Athlima World Champion (2023)
- 🥇 IMMAF Youth World Champion, 137 lb., Abu Dhabi (2022)
- 🥇 2-Division GAMMA USA International Champion (2022)
- 🥇 United States Fight League National Champion (2022)
- 🥇 GAMMA USA National Champion, multiple years (2021-2024)
His first official amateur match at 3 River Throwdown XXIV in Onalaska, WI, was just the beginning of the next phase of his career. But long before turning amateur, Max was already influencing an entire generation.
The Global Athlete Gen Z Needed
Born in the era of streaming, social platforms, and global access, Gen Z athletes like Max Stary don’t just compete locally—they perform on the world stage. As a two-time world champion, Max represents a new wave of youth athletes who are traveling internationally, gaining cultural experience, and setting the tone for global development in MMA.
According to GAMMA Worldwide, participation in its international youth competitions has grown by 36% year-over-year since 2021—largely driven by role models like Max.
This generation of athletes is training year-round, tracking their stats online, and building audiences before they ever sign a pro contract. With digital platforms like Compete Next and GAMMA USA, young fighters now have the exposure they need to grow into full-fledged stars
