MMA was on the program at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain this fall. It will make its debut at the Asian Games in 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, across six weight classes. And it doesn't plan to stop there: Monday saw the first gathering of the International Federation of MMA, under the acronym FIMMA. The ultimate goal is clearly stated: inclusion in the Olympic Games program.
Fragmented governance
Drawing on its experience and recent victories at the continental level, the Asian MMA Association initiated this operation. MMA has hundreds of millions of fans worldwide. But despite this global popularity, MMA remains a sport lacking unified international governance. "That's why," explains Gordon Tang, president of the Asian MMA Association. The International MMA Federation was officially born this Monday in Athens, a symbolic location given its history with the Olympic Movement.
« FIMMA is a response to the many calls we have received from athletes and national federations. Calls for an IF that unites sport under a cohesive global governance. An IF that fosters progress through an ambitious, athlete-centric strategy. And an IF that delivers sustainable, long-term global growth. " continues Gordon Tang, eager to ride the wave of his sport's momentum, whose visibility has exploded thanks to the UFC and its stars.
"Unlocking enormous potential"
Gordon Tang sees FIMMA as " a unifying force ". " Amateur MMA has been divided for too long. It's time to unite our sport and bring it out of the shadow of the professional world. "He affirms. FIMMA wishes to move forward hand in hand with the Global MMA Association (GAMMA) and is open to partnerships with promoters, including the UFC." We are ready to collaborate with all organizations that share our commitment to protecting and promoting the interests of MMA and its athletes. With organizations that share our vision for MMA to take its place in the Olympic Games. Now is the time to unlock enormous potential. »
The creation of FIMMA, however, has caused some friction, particularly with the IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation), which deplores this approach. FIMMA, IMMAF, GAMMA… For the time being, the international governance of MMA is anything but clear, and this is obviously not ideal when aiming for inclusion in the Olympic Games – especially since other sports are ahead on the road to Brisbane 2032. It should be noted, however, that around twenty UFC events have been held in Australia since 2010, in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. That's already a positive sign.
