Liam Thor Mayes is preparing to represent South Africa at the 2026 IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from August 16 to 23.

Liam earned his place in the South African team after an impressive performance at the 2026 South African MMA Nationals, held in Vanderbijlpark on April 30.

Competing in the U18, U65.8kg division, he fought his way to a bronze medal, securing his selection for the prestigious international tournament.

The IMMAF Youth World Championships will bring together some of the world’s top young MMA athletes, giving Liam another opportunity to test himself against the best on the global stage.

He trains at Valhalla MMA in Alberton under coach Shane Carr and will travel to Abu Dhabi alongside fellow Valhalla athletes Teagan and Tannith Snyman, as well as Josef Moosa, as part of Team South Africa.

Liam’s training has also included working with professional EFC fighters Coenie Lamprecht and Bryn Gwavava, helping him develop the skills and discipline needed to compete at the highest level.

His martial arts journey began with karate before he discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 12. A year later, he expanded his training to include boxing, MMA and Muay Thai, building a well-rounded fighting style that has contributed to his success.

This will be Liam’s second appearance at the IMMAF Youth World Championships. In 2025, he represented South Africa in the U16 division at the championships in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, where he finished seventh in the world in his category.

“Representing South Africa again is a huge honour and something I have worked incredibly hard for. Every training session, every competition and every challenge has helped me grow as an athlete and as a person. My goal is to give my best in Abu Dhabi, make my country proud and continue working towards my dream of one day competing in the UFC. I am grateful to my coaches, teammates, family and everyone who has supported me on this journey,” said Liam.

Returning to the world championships with another year of experience, Liam hopes to improve on that result and continue his steady rise in the sport.

His long-term ambition is to compete professionally in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and he believes every competition brings him one step closer to achieving that dream.

The estimated cost of the trip is R35 000, covering flights, accommodation, competition entry fees, team kit, visa costs, airport transfers and general expenses.

As Liam prepares to wear the South African colours once again, he carries the hopes of his family, coaches, teammates and community, proudly representing Alberton and the country on one of the biggest youth MMA stages in the world.