Athlete-First Governance for Sustainable Growth

Central to the formation of FIMMA is a commitment to a safer, more technically defined version of amateur MMA that enhances athlete welfare. Unlike professional formats dominated by cage-based promotions such as UFC, FIMMA will implement a unified ruleset without a cage, similar to frameworks used in Olympic combat sports such as judo and taekwondo. This shift, leaders argue, is key to the sport’s long-term growth and its credibility in the eyes of the International Olympic Committee.

“FIMMA is about putting athletes first and building a truly global sport,” said Galastein Tan, Director General of AMMA. “We’re creating world-class competition platforms, focused on safety, and streamlined events that bring the best athletes together under one organisation.”

Built on a Strong Continental Platform

The launch of FIMMA builds on the significant progress MMA has already made in Asia. AMMA has secured the sport’s inclusion as a medal discipline in several major multi-sport events, including the 2026 Asian Games, 2026 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and the 2025 Asian Youth Games, demonstrating operational capability and growing competitive standards.

AMMA President Gordon Tang highlighted the rapid momentum created by athletes and federations calling for a united global pathway:

“MMA has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, yet it has long lacked unified global governance,” Tang said. “These milestones prove what is possible when we work together…but continental success is just the beginning. FIMMA will unite everyone under one global leadership.”

Athletes Demand Global Opportunity

A wave of athlete feedback has reinforced the need for clarity and a unified direction for amateur MMA’s future. Cambodian champion Khiev Chendaroth expressed a desire for global competitive exposure:

“We need these same opportunities at a global level…it is only by competing against the best from around the world that we can continue to improve our technique and level.”

Uzbek athlete Avaz Anvarov highlighted the emotional significance of the movement:

“We dream of standing next to athletes from all over the world…together we can build a future where every fighter has a chance to shine.”

Indian federation president Nikhil Kunder emphasised the wider development implications:

“Unified international governance is the next step…for India, it opens the door for our athletes to stand proudly on a larger stage and aspire toward future participation in the Olympic Movement.”

Targeting Olympic Inclusion

FIMMA will hold its inaugural global meeting next week in Athens, where its Olympic strategy will be formally addressed.

With the LA 2028 programme already confirmed, Brisbane 2032 represents the earliest feasible target, although the 2036 Olympic Games may offer a more realistic pathway.

Tan concluded that a unified structure will enable MMA to reach new competitive heights while protecting participant wellbeing:

“Together, we will take amateur MMA from continental success to a global stage and prepare it for the Olympic spotlight.”

The shift aligns with the IOC’s broader interest in youth-focused, dynamic, and globally accessible sports—a strategic window MMA leaders intend to seize.