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In a groundbreaking move, MMA leaders are aggressively lobbying the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include mixed martial arts in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This push could revolutionize the Games by introducing one of the fastest-growing sports to the global stage.
While individual combat sports such as amateur boxing, judo, taekwondo, wrestling, and karate have long been staples of the Olympics, MMA as a collective discipline remains absent.
The call for change is being led by Peter Murray, CEO of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), who is urging the IOC and the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) to recognize MMA's potential.
Murray told SunSport, "We've set the foundation; now it's about showcasing our sport of MMA to the influential leaders at the IOC and IMMAF. There is a huge grassroots and amateur community amongst mixed martial artists in every corner of the world, with people competing in tournaments to pit their skill sets against one another to find out who is truly the best."
The Olympic Games are a breeding ground for MMA
The PFL has produced champions like two-time PFL winner Kayla Harrison, who previously won two Olympic gold medals in judo, and Claressa Shields, a boxer-turned-MMA star with Olympic accolades. Murray believes these athletes exemplify MMA's evolution and its rightful place in the Olympics.
"MMA has grown out of its negative image it once had," Murray said, "and is now seen as an athletic competition of highly skilled individuals who have mastered multiple disciplines to beat their opponent in a rule set that has garnered millions and millions of fans worldwide.
"The athletes exist, the fanbase is there, now we just need to work with the IOC to platform this incredible sport that has built communities all over the world."
Murray acknowledges the importance of ensuring fighter safety and is confident in the sport's ability to implement necessary measures. "We understand measures will need to be put in place to ensure fighter safety, but this is something we're confident can be done effectively to put health and wellbeing above all."
Murray will fight until the last minute
As the United States prepares to host the 2028 Olympics, Murray hopes it will be the first to feature MMA as a medal sport. "The Olympics is made up of martial arts, from wrestling and judo to boxing and karate, all of which are pivotal to our sport."
"At PFL, we want to be the core driving force behind getting the IOC to recognize the potential in MMA. And we're confident that they'll understand how mixed martial arts is a gold medal sport by 2028 in LA."
This ambitious campaign aims to cement MMA's status as a legitimate and respected Olympic sport, highlighting its athleticism, strategy, and global appeal. The countdown to 2028 has begun, and the MMA community is eager to see if their sport will finally take its place on the Olympic podium.