A major push to include Mixed Martial Arts in the Olympic Games is now underway, spearheaded by a newly formed global governing body for the sport.
The Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA) announced its plan to unify the sport worldwide under a new federation called FIMMA, which will hold its inaugural meeting next week. This move is seen as a critical step towards convincing the International Olympic Committee to consider MMA for future Olympic programmes.
Building on Continental Success
The campaign for Olympic recognition is buoyed by a significant achievement: securing MMA's debut as a medal sport at several major upcoming events. These include the 2026 Asian Games, the 2026 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and the 2025 Asian Youth Games.
Gordon Tang, the President of AMMA and Vice-President of the Olympic Council of Asia, stated that these milestones prove what is possible with collaborative effort. He emphasised that "continental success is just the beginning" and that FIMMA's mission is to unite everyone under one global leadership with an ambitious, athlete-focused plan.
A Different Vision for MMA
It is important to distinguish the Olympic-targeted version of MMA from popular professional promotions like the UFC. The format promoted by AMMA and FIMMA features two key differences: it does not use a cage and operates under stricter safety protocols. Proponents argue this encourages more technical bouts and aligns better with Olympic values.
The new global federation will convene for the first time in Athens on Monday, where its Olympic ambitions will be a central topic of discussion.
The Road to the Olympic Podium
While the sport's popularity has soared, largely driven by the commercial success of organisations like the UFC which generates around £1 billion in annual revenue, the path to the Olympics is a long one.
With the programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Games already finalised, the earliest possible opportunity for MMA's inclusion is the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane. However, many observers believe the 2036 edition, potentially hosted by India or Qatar, may be a more realistic target.
Galastein Tan, AMMA Director General, reinforced the organisation's commitment to collaboration, stating FIMMA is ready to work with all organisations, including the UFC and ONE Championship, that share their commitment to protecting and promoting the interests of MMA and its athletes.
