NAGOYA – Mixed martial arts (MMA) is on the brink of making its debut at the Olympic Games, albeit in a modified format that prioritizes safety and aligns with Olympic values. Dubbed “MMA Light,” this version of the sport is currently being showcased at the Asian Games, and a campaign to include it in the Brisbane Olympics in 2032 is spearheaded by Chinese billionaire Gordon Tang.
Tang, who leads the Federation of International Mixed Martial Arts (FIMMA), emphasized the importance of a newly developed rule set designed to ensure athlete safety. “We have developed a rule set specifically focused on the safety and well-being of athletes, and aligned with Olympic values,” Tang stated. The inclusion of MMA at the Asian Games represents a significant step toward achieving Olympic recognition.
For MMA to gain traction with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the sport must undergo substantial changes, including the removal of the traditional cage that characterizes most MMA events. “We think without the cage we will have a better alignment with the Olympic values and hopefully recognition from the IOC,” said Galastein Tan, the director general of FIMMA.
The path to Olympic inclusion is fraught with challenges. The IOC would first need to approve a governing body for MMA, which is currently divided among numerous organizations. Furthermore, Brisbane’s Olympic organizers must decide to include the sport in their agenda. As of now, no announcements have been made regarding the sports that will be on the program for the Brisbane Games, and it’s too late for MMA to join the roster for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The IOC has expressed concerns regarding the violent image associated with MMA, stating that the sport currently does not meet its eligibility criteria. This backdrop of violence has also led to scrutiny of other combat sports and esports alike.
In contrast, the MMA format being featured at the Asian Games resembles judo or boxing, taking place on an open mat rather than inside a cage. This adaptation allows both men and women to compete in two distinct styles: one more focused on grappling and the other emphasizing striking techniques. Safety protocols have been implemented, including restrictions on elbow strikes, and the prohibition of knees or kicks to the head when a fighter is down.
“It takes time to change a perception,” Tan remarked, highlighting the effort needed to shift public opinion about MMA. “We hope to be able to share that there is a new form of MMA, and this form is more aligned with the Olympics.”
Engelhardt, FIMMA’s executive vice president, noted that the goal is to normalize MMA within the broader landscape of sports, moving away from the spectacle that often accompanies traditional MMA promotions. “It’s very challenging in the sense that the whole mindset in the sport is so focused on promotions,” he said.
From a strategic perspective, MMA could appeal to the IOC as it seeks to engage younger audiences with new sports. The popularity of MMA, particularly among youth, could provide a fresh avenue for promotion. Additionally, the sport could utilize existing venues already used for other combat sports, eliminating the need for new construction.
However, the integration of MMA into the Olympic framework poses its own set of complications, as the Olympics already feature boxing, wrestling, judo, and taekwondo. “MMA is popular globally, able to engage the fans at a gut level and attract fans at a youth level,” Tan countered, making a case for the sport’s inclusion.
Gordon Tang’s influence as president of FIMMA is noteworthy; his background includes over a decade of involvement within the Olympic Movement, and he serves as a vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia. Tang has been vocal about MMA’s potential role in the Olympic ecosystem, stating it brings together athletes from diverse martial arts disciplines.
Tan revealed that discussions have already occurred with IOC President Kirsty Coventry, underscoring the seriousness of their pursuit. “I would like to say we are not in the preliminary stage (with the IOC). We are in advanced stages,” he asserted.
As this initiative unfolds, it is clear there will be distinct audiences for both traditional cage MMA and this new open-field format. “For us, we are very clear that the focus is for the sport to be in the Olympics,” Tan concluded.
—-
AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham contributed to this report.
___
See full AP coverage of Asian sports here
