Once called ‘human cockfighting’, MMA makes Olympic push
NAGOYA, Sept 22 — A sport once banned in much of the United States and famously decried as “human cockfighti...
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), once derided as "human cockfighting" by a prominent politician, is now vying for an Olympic debut. The sport, governed by the Federation of International Mixed Martial Arts (FIMMA), recently made its Asian Games debut in Japan, a significant milestone for its proponents. Tan, FIMMA's director general, acknowledged the importance of being part of the continental games, stating that it signals a robust governance structure and readiness for competition.
The sport is gaining traction, especially among countries with a rich fighting sports tradition, like Thailand, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, and Japan. However, transitioning from UFC, where bouts take place in a caged octagon, to grappling on an open mat presents a unique challenge for martial artists. The inclusion of MMA in the Asian Games and Olympics is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes.
For Singapore's Teo Hui Hoon, an Olympic berth could fuel a surge in interest among younger participants, providing a clear path to national team selection and the Games themselves.
MMA's path to Olympic recognition is fraught with obstacles, including rule standardization and the perception of its violence. Despite these hurdles, the sport enjoys strong support from the UFC's CEO, Dana White, who is optimistic about its inclusion. However, achieving Olympic status is a long-term endeavor, requiring consensus on a governing body and navigating the rigorous Olympic qualification process.
With persistent lobbying and a growing global appeal, MMA remains hopeful that it will find a suitable home in the Olympics, whether as a medal sport or a demonstration event.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
