Why it matters:
Hatamian’s victory highlights Iran’s rising prominence in youth MMA, a sport gaining popularity across Asia. The win also reflects the country’s broader investment in combat sports and its strategic focus on developing young athletes.
The big picture:
The 2025 Asian Youth Games represent a turning point for youth MMA in Asia, with record participation and increasing visibility. Iran’s triple gold sweep in MMA positions the country as an emerging powerhouse in the sport.
Key points:
The final bout took place at Exhibition World Bahrain, the main venue for the Games.
Hatamian’s victory followed earlier golds by Iranian fighters Tiam Dehpahlevan (women’s 60kg) and Ilya Vahedi (men’s 70kg), bringing Iran’s total MMA gold count to three.
Ratcliff, a 17-year-old from the Philippines, reached the final after his semifinal opponent from Tajikistan was disqualified for missing weight.
Ratcliff, a 17-year-old from the Philippines, advanced to the final after his semifinal opponent from Tajikistan was disqualified for failing to make weight.
Hossein Amiri - m.sarabi
