The Olympics have been the standard of athletic competition between participating countries for centuries. Between the summer and winter games, it would seem every sport under the sun is contested between the very best various countries have to offer.
Various combat sports have been contested under the Olympic banner, dating as far back as 648 B.C. The first of which was Greek Pankration. Pankration is considered by many to be the birth not only of MMA, but martial arts as a whole. It is a combination of elements found in both boxing and wrestling.
Today Pankration is no longer an Olympic sport, but history tells us it was the beginning of many combat sports to be contested in future Olympic games. Pankration has been revived through the aspirations of modern day mixed martial arts.
Another, more widely known Olympic combat sport would be Wrestling, to be more specific Greco-Roman Wrestling, and Free Style Wrestling. The two share many similarities but differ greatly as far as rules are concerned. Both are contested today in Olympic competition. Some of the most successful of mixed martial artists use wrestling as their skill base.
Boxing is known to be an Oylmpic sport with nearly as much history as Pankration. The first Olympic boxing is dated as far back as 688 B.C. Boxing is not only an Olympic sport today, but a very lucrative professional sport as well. In MMA a strong stand up game can set up many attacks that prove devastating throughout a fight.
Judo, a relative newcomer to the Olympic games was introduced in the year 1932. Judo is thought to be very close in origin if not the basis for creating Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, which so happens to be the root of Brazilian or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Judo is not as well known as say boxing or wrestling, but is very exciting to say the least. Both Judo and Jiu-Jitsu permeate the world of MMA.
Moving forward, there is a question that must be asked. What do all of these modern and historical Olympic combat sports have in common? The answer, all of them are heavily relied on in mixed martial arts today. Some more than others, but they have all been integrated into the modern day sport many have come to love and follow with a passion.
In MMA, the fighters and their trainers hail from every corner of the world. Brazil, Russia, Canada, U.S.A., The Philippines, Japan, the list goes on and on. They all have countrymen fighting or competing in MMA, in some capacity.
Consider this, MMA fighters train as hard if not harder than the standard for most widely accepted sports. They risk everything when they compete. They and their dedication define the word athlete, and many of them are world class. The conditioning and training required to compete is non-stop. Even the training itself is dangerous at times.
Now consider this, Archery, Sledding, Badminton, and something called Curling are all Olympic sports. Of course they are skills that require the utmost in dedication and training for a competitor to be considered Olympic quality. Simply put, MMA is a high caliber, extremely competitive, world class sport that surely can compete with the likes of Badminton as far as world competition goes.
The sport of Mixed Martial Arts has historically struggled with legitimacy. Today the sport has become more mainstream and has gained more acceptance. Generally speaking, as far as the major sports go Baseball, Football, Basketball, Soccer, even Boxing, MMA is the red-headed step child.
What better way to spread the sport throughout the world than to lobby for it to become an Olympic competition?
It would add world wide rules to a game that may vary heavily depending on where the competition is being held. It could be a very strong push to really throw MMA into the conversation as a legitimate sport.
Imagine the changes the sport would undergo. If it were to be made a world wide acceptable Olympic sport, it would force organizations that hold all the strings to cooperate not only with fighters but with each other to take the sport to the next level. MMA is suffering today because of so many promotions and the differences between them. Money seems to take precedence over absolute superiority through quality of competition. That is a shame to say the least.
The best of competitors are held as property not athletes. Many teams in many sports hold exclusive rights to the athletes that compete for them. Think about the World Baseball Classic, or Olympic Basketball. The athletes may be professionals that hail from their specific employers, but they are allowed to compete elsewhere if it is their preference or duty as a citizen in some cases. The same can not be said for many of today's MMA promotions.
Making MMA an Olympic sport would alleviate these issues through sheer necessity to free up the fighters. It would also be a two way street, as getting the fights and the fighters themselves more visibility and recognition on such a large stage would have to bode well for any organization who makes a home for those fighters. No pay per view is going to get your fighters that type of recognition and public visibility.
The point is not so much to help any particular organization or group of fighters. The point is more to say simply this, history has shown combat sports to be not only Olympic sports, but at times they were some of the most important competitions depending on the era. Some of the best boxers the world has known were found as Olympic hopefuls. How many phenomenal MMA practitioners are out there that may never be discovered due to lack of availability or necessity to hone their skills?
So many sports that are directly involved with MMA are already Olympic sports. What a great opportunity it would be for competitors from all over the world, who will never have a chance with the UFC or Affliction because of lack of exposure. Perhaps they might get that chance after showcasing their skills for the world to see. They might just upset some of the world class fighters many have grown to love. Who is to say there is not another Fedor or Silva out there waiting to rise to the top?
The sport has never done so well. The athletes are making more than ever. One might fear that greed may bring the sport to its knees if it is left in the hands of the promoters. Bringing a well planned, well organized, class act version of MMA to the world could change all that. A standard could be set for all that participate in the sport from the trainers and fighters to the businessmen and promoters.
In closing, this argument is not even close to a reality. The leaders of MMA have a lot of work to do as far as truly legitimizing the sport. Perhaps the way to go is not to include today's leaders of MMA in the quest for Olympic acceptance. Perhaps an impartial group should start this push. Maybe the fighters themselves. Creating a fighters union would be a great start, but that is topic for a future article. Keep your eyes peeled for it.
One thing is for sure, MMA in its purist form is quality enough and world class enough to be considered on such a grand scale. The fighters deserve to be recognized as world class if they so choose to compete at the highest level of competition the world has to offer.
To be released from the shackles of PPV and the monopolies we see today, would really give the fans the true heart of MMA, an opportunity to see the best fight the best regardless of who they fight for. They would be fighting for their countries and pride, not money. That is MMA at its purist. To see the best compete without the limitations seen today due to contract disputes and being governed through dollars not sense. That would be grand indeed.
Perhaps with a little hope, and a unified voice, and a turn away from the shadiest of practices that are a detriment to the sport, MMA may find its way back to its roots, Olympic competition. Surely those who started the tradition of the Olympics so long ago would agree. How about you?
26 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
Mike Leanza 6 months ago
I actually wrote an article like this a while back. It was the MMA Olympics 2008. I put 4 of the best fighters in each weight class, from different countries against each other. It got literally no action or response.
Anyway, the biggest problem with MMA in the olympics is the exclusivity of the fighters contracts. No way Dana White would let any of his guys compete for fear of injury, and it would totally back up the schedule worse than TUF.
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Todd Jackson 6 months ago
I did not know you had covered this. I hope the articles differed and gave alternate POVs. I would hate to do something that has already been done. Ill have to check out your article. I agree, Dana would never allow this. As stated though, the exposure of his fighters may entice him to consider such a move. Its only every four years, not like it would tie them up or risk them any more than they already are. I like the idea, but its a pipe dream. To much conflict of interest. Thanks for reading bro, I appreciate your comments as always.
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Mitch Wiles 6 months ago
It is possible, but how would you structure it? You are asking MMA practitioners to risk concussion and broken bones for NO money...Just Exposure? Patriotism? Even the TUF fighters get paid. I understand other sports such as Hockey and Basketball sacrifice there paychecks for the Olympics, but the majority those athletes will come home in one piece. And on top of that they are already millionaires. Only a handful of Mixed Martial Artists can claim that Millionaire status. I agree that an Olympic MMA tournament sounds great, but the logistics are just too difficult. Not until the UFC puts on an event with it's competition will MMA Olympia be possible.
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Todd Jackson 6 months ago
I do see the risks, but many fighters have pride for their countries. I believe it would be a better opportunity to showcase up and coming talent, guys trying to get noticed for thier efforts and talent. As far as the big boys who already made it, it would not work so well as you pointed out. That being said, all athletes risk injury when competing at any level. It just so happens to be par for the course in MMA. I dont think so many would shy away over money. I think the opportunity to challenge world class competition without the shackles of contracts would be enticing to guys like Fedor and Silva. It a long shot I know but it sounds like a great way to get all of MMA on the same page for once. And a great way to scout the best the world has to offer. Many dont get exposure because they arent scouted as heavily or whatever. If countries started showing off their up and coming fighters that may not make it to a high profile promotion, maybe we would see a larger talent pool to choose the next gen fighters from. But in the end, the UFC would be a huge speed bump to overcome, and probably and impossible feat at that. Thanks for reading and sharing your POV with me, your time is appreciated.
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Saraswathi Siriginia 6 months ago
It is a great idea that needs some work and may be cause it is not amateur sport that the Olympics has not put it in on the Olympics
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Todd Jackson 6 months ago
A great point. I prefer to gear this at young talent from around the world that may not otherwise have a chance to get noticed due to lack of marketability. MMA is all about marketing, where as the Olympics are purely based on talent which I beleive is ten fold more important than marketability, but then again Im not running the business so I can say that with ease. Thanks for reading, and commenting, take care.
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Jimmy Kimmel 6 months ago
MMA is clearly an up an coming sport and it would also help with ratings. Outside of Micheal Phelps and the Redeem Team not many Americans watched the Olympics. Some of the best athletes in the world, including some Olympic Medalist are in MMA. Plainly put MMA and Olympics would be a great fit. Plus it would allow for great matchups say Fedor and a UFC Heavyweight.
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Todd Jackson 6 months ago
I totally agree. I couldnt have said it better myself. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Take care.
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Tom V 6 months ago
Come on fellas, get serious. One key criteria for me and many others regarding what should and should not be an Olympic sport is that we should all want kids to be introduced to it and develop a desire to play it. That is not true of all Olympic sports even now, and adding this barbaric thuggery certainly would tilt the scale even further the wrong way.
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Todd Jackson 6 months ago
Barbaric thuggery? I invite you to read some of the classy and dignified quotes of the WW champion Georges St. Pierre. He is the definition of class in athletics. Not a barbarian, not a thug. A gentelmen, well spoken, and courteous, not to mention a world class athlete. I would like to invite you to read MMA not a sport in my archives. Of course your opinion is yours to share, but I beg you to open your eyes to the art involved in this sport. Of course there are the dregs, every sport has them, but generally MMA is highly overlooked as a viable and respectable sport. It once was as you said nothing more than thugger and barbaric, but time and regulation have changed all that. Please reconsider. You dont have to follow it, but dont bash it due to lack of understanding. Its not conducive to a level playing field for yourself and your argument with those who advocate it. As the article says, four of the core arts practiced in MMA either are or have been Olympic sports, not just for decades but centuries in some cases. To call those practices barbaric, is to disregard centuries of Olympic competition. THat is counter productive. I could spend hours attempting to sway your thoughts, but only you can change them. It takes knowledge of the sport, not just its reputation to make a sound assesment as harsh as the tone you just took. Please do some homework, and the next time you judge, do so with the knowledge that is required to pass that judement. Regardless, thank you for taking the time to both read and comment on this article. Your time is greatly appreciated.
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Lewis Hennig 6 months ago
I have to agree with Tom on principle for this one. Not that they should refrain from adding it to the Olympics, but it is barbaric. personally if I were a father I would not yet my younger children watch MMA matches the likes of which I have seen on UFC. Sure they may be structured, and have rules, but a child will not see that. They will see how excited people are for the violence they see on TV. This would lead to emulation, and MMA matches are not stopped due to bleeding, so why would a child stop if he was pretending to do the same?
Now I am no proponent of the theory that violence on TV causes children to misbehave, but it does influence them and withou proper guidance from parents or guardians kids can take things too far. Now that being said, yes I believe it can be added to Olympics, however the Mr. and Mrs. Jones who use the TV as a babysitter because they don't have the time to actually look after their kids would frown upon this. Because they are not their to show their kids right from wrong in regards to what they are seeing they will blame the TV for not doing an adequate job of babysitting their kids, something they themselves are neglectful of.
Also having watched UFC, including St. Pierre I still feel that this is more brutal than most other combative Olympic sports, not that that should exclude it. But seeing Brock Lesnar win a gold medal would be sweet!
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Todd Jackson 6 months ago
I just dont buy the aspect that kids are the reason to avoid this. I mean come on, lets take a look at entertainment in our world, both athletich entertainment and artistic. Britney Spears, Pacman, OJ, Tupac and Biggie, Plaxico, 50 cent, Mayweather Jr, Mayweather Sr, Mike Tyson, Marlyn Mansen, the list goes on folks. Short of putting my kids in a bubble, I dont see a resolution. I choose to arm my children with the ammuniton of knowledge, dignity, respect, charisma. If I enforce that, they will be ready for anything put in front of them. I began martial arts at the ripe young age of 7 and never looked back. It taught me more about discipline and self awareness than anything I can think of in my life. Im honored to have learned, and I have no shame allowing my children to watch MMA or any combat sport for that matter. They are educated on the science, the history, the art of it all. Not the simple things, like blood, or drunken spectators. The point is being missed here. I wont use MMA, musicians, or athletes as a scapegoat for lack of parenting on my behalf or anyone elses. That ball is in my court and every other parent in the world. I dont buy it. That being said, I do agree using it as a platform for up and coming fighters is the way to go. Although I do believe high profile fighters would want to participate once the competition got stiff enough. Thanks for commenting. I whole heartedly disagree with children being the reason to avoid it, but thats why we do this thing right. Take care.
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Leon Horne 6 months ago
It would have to got the route of Olympic Boxing. MMA needs to set up a strong amateur circuit that competes for the Commonwealth games and Olympics. An MMA division at the college level would be a start. You could never do it with professional fighters, Olympics and Commonwealth games would act as stepping stones to professional MMA organizations and that's the only way it could work. Putting professional fighters in the Olympics like Lesnar, St. Pierre, Mir, Silva etc. etc. would never work.
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Todd Jackson 6 months ago
I tend to agree. I think over time though, high profile fighters may want to get involved to compete without the barriers created by fighting under certain promotions. It wouldnt happen right away, but it could very well prove the pinnacle of the sport if it were to be succesful. Imagine really competing for the title of best in the world at your weight. That would be enticing for guys like Fedor. At some point I imagine glory becomes as important as money for the elite athlete. Generally speaking though, that is lightyears ahead of even getting MMA considered for the games. Which as you said would start modest, and low key. Bringing up amatuer talent to see how they do, and maybe even showcase them for the major promotions to consider as the next generation. Perhaps the road to Olympic MMA starts at the collegiate level as you said. It really is a great topic, and I wonder if it may ever happen. Thanks for reading and commenting, I appreciate your input.
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Sean Lavery 6 months ago
I'm not opposed to the idea entirely, but as it currently stands it would not work.
The Olympics cannot be used to force the sport to restructure, but rather a restructuring of the sport must happen before it can be an Olympic sport.
Especially given the relatively small status of the vast majority of athletes in MMA. While a handful may earn large paychecks, a vast majority don't, and could not afford a the risk of injury that would come from the Olympic games. After all, they would not only be called on to fight once, but several times over the course of only a couple weeks.
No time to heal.
No time for rehab.
Very little time to prepare for each fight.
Very little rest between matches.
That lack of rest would increase the chance of injury dramatically in such a brutal, and yes it is brutal, sport.
I would also not be so quick to disregard a sport such as Badminton. Just because it is not large in the United States does not mean it is not incredibly popular. A google search of "Badminton" yields 31,000,000 results. A google search of "MMA" only yields 27,100,000.
I know a google search isn't a definitive way of proving popularity, but it should yield an idea of worldwide attention and (more importantly) participation being larger than perceived.
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Todd Jackson 6 months ago
Surely there would be a risk with the short time frame. That much is certain, and hopefully a system could be developed to protect the fighters, limiting strikes such as elbows, or providing a sort of head gear, which would be counter productive to Jitz by making it easier to sink subs. This is a preliminary idea that I had and there are bound to be holes like swiss cheese in the theory. I depend on the critics to point out the flaws of my idea. Since most folks dont think of great ideas on their own, they prefer to knock the ones they hear from others. Ive heard some great arguments against this, but I stand firm tht it is historically already entwined with the games. I agree the sport has a long way to go before this could even be considered. I actually stated that myself in the article. Brutal is a relative term. Boxing is brutal. Tae Kwon Do is brutal by nature. Both Olympic sports. Football is brutal, but it is marketed to the american public like fresh air. Techinically MMA is less brutal than boxing, as a boxer can take up to 12 rounds of blunt trauma to the head, whereas one good shot in MMA ends a three round fight. Which is more brutal? Constant punches to the head or five or six shots that end the fight instantly? Brutality is widely accepted in our society, and for someone to point out one thing or another has lost sight of that. Is it right, no. It is that way though. by definition it is brutal, but you can lump quite a bit of widely accepted sports and practices in with that description. It doesnt jump off the page at me. Perception is the key there. Anyway, you gave the best reasons thus far for why it will not work, and I thank you for a clear view of the topic. Take care.
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Sean Lavery 6 months ago
The brutality in itself is not meant to keep the sport out of the games. Brutality, as you mentioned, is a part of many Olympic contests. But rather to illustrate my point about the high risk of injury in a sport that doesn't provide it's athletes with a lot of money to allow them to bounce back from injuries.
I was with you up until the "I depend on the critics to point out the flaws of my idea. Since most folks dont think of great ideas on their own, they prefer to knock the ones they hear from others." line.
...the implications carried with that line certainly rubbed me the wrong way.
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Todd Jackson 6 months ago
Not my intention to gear that at you, just wanted to say that any things I did not think of surely will be pointed out by those who choose to do so. Ive spent enough time writing these articles to see there are those who would rather go against what one says as opposed to saying something about their own original thoughts. In no way shape nor form was that driving at your commentary. More so to say I havent thought of every angle and I knew I would have more questions than answers at the end of this exchange with more than just yourself. Sorry if that bothers you or it seemd directed at you. I tend to stay polite and cordial with those who choose to comment on my articles. Im sorry I misrepresented myself, and that about all I can say about that. I can only hope you took as much away from the comment that stated you provided me the best arguments against the idea. Your position holds more weight than any other opposing views I came across on this topic. I truly appreciate you sharing, and again I am disspointed I did not articulate my points in a fashion that was not offensive. I pride msyelf on being exactly the opposite of offensive. Sometimes I am too open and blunt which comes across as combative. There is no tone in writing, its hard to pick apart sometimes. Either way, your input is valued, and appreciated regardless of my poor choice of wording.
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Robert coleman 6 months ago
Making an Olympic sport would alleviate these issues through sheer necessity to free up the fighters. It would also be a two way street, as getting the fights and the fighters themselves more visibility and recognition on such a large stage would have to bode well for any organization who makes a home for those fighters. No pay per view is going to get your fighters that type of recognition and public visibility.
The point is not so much to help any particular organization or group of fighters. The point is more to say simply this, history has shown combat sports to be not only Olympic sports, but at times they were some of the most important competitions depending on the era. Some of the best boxers the world has known were found as Olympic hopefuls. How many phenomenal MMA practitioners are out there that may never be discovered due to lack of availability or necessity to hone their skills?
One key criteria for me and many others regarding what should and should not be an Olympic sport is that we should all want kids to be introduced to it and develop a desire to play it. That is not true of all Olympic sports even now, and adding this barbaric thuggery certainly would tilt the scale even further the wrong way.
Baseball is a Olympic sport but it may go. And 2009 Bringing the Olympic sports good or bad. I think 2008 or 2009, the sport are going to be good.
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james stansberry 6 months ago
Todd I think MMA would get a lot of viewers during the olympics. Some people are slow to come around. I see one person still calls it barberic thuggery. That being said why do all MMA fans insist mma fighter are the greatest conditioned athletes just cuz they practice a little of everything? most fights are only 3 rounds and the guys are completely gassed. i couldn't see them going 12. anyway i enjoyed the article and i think it would be a great olympic sport.
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Todd Jackson 6 months ago
I tend to agree with you. I even believe MMA in the Olympics would bring a bit more attention to the Olympics from a demographic who may not otherwise watch. Barbaric thuggery? No more than what MTV is doing to my kids, thank god Im still in control. At least martial arts teaches discipline and respect, along with a whole slew of other virtues. Punching and kicking is just a part of it, the mental training is far more prevelant than most even have a clue about. As for the conditioning aspect. I trained for martial arts most of my youth, ending in high school. I also wrestled. Ive played many many sports since I was knee high to a duck. Nothing is more demanding than wrestling, as far as conditioning. I imagine boxing is close. From all my experiences, I imagine not much requires the total physical commitment that MMA does. Sure a boxer can fight 12 rounds, but he is focusing on upper body, breathing, and core strength. In MMA every inch of the body and every ounce of stamina is needed. Not to say its utterly superior but just to say its up there with any other sport I can think of. Of course, my spectrum is limited and I may not be seeing the big picture, but I think the athletes must be in top shape to compete regardless. Thanks for the read and comment. Take care.
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Terry Woodburn 6 months ago
Great, what's next? Auto racing in the Olympics? How about Texas Hold 'em? I am not compelled to start signing to the Olympics with yet more trash sports, just because a nation of buzz-cut, tatooed, Bud-Lite knuckle-draggers thinks it is cool sport, dude.
Love these posts talking about "MMA are ultimate athletes" and that Americans don't watch the Olympics. Love to see the science and media research on that...
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Todd Jackson 6 months ago
Well if trash talk was an Olympic sport youd be the heavyweight gold medalist. Im a professional in the financial industry, who coaches little league, married with two beautiful kids and I drive a $60k Infiniti Q45 bro. Far from a knuckle dragger. I have over a decade experience in martial arts, and many many years participating in mulitple sports ranging from baseball to wrestling. I feel my opinion is valid and has merit. You may agree or disagree but try doing so without breaking us down to what you take us for. Do some homework, open your eyes, broaden your spectrum of vision and you may just wake up to the fact that just because you dont see it doesnt mean it isnt true. MMA is highly demanding, and unless youve ever spent a season training for a wrestling team, you have no business judging what it might possibly take to compete on the level of these "ultimate athletes". Wrestling is hands down the hardest thing Ive ever trained for, and I never even touched boxing. I imagine the two are equally difficult. That doesnt even get into the requirements to compete in various other martial arts, much less combining the arts into one training regemin. To take away from these athletes is short sighted. They may not be the pinnacle but they do rank up with the best in conditioning and ability. Take one look at GSP and tell me he isnt in better or as good a shape as any world class athlete you can name. Cant wait for your first article that details your opinion in such a fashion that makes it more relevant.
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Tommy Turbo 6 months ago
I foresee a future where MMA is not only in the Olympics ... it is the ONLY combat sport in the olympics!
Think about it, we can replace Boxing, Judo, Taekwondo and Wrestling (Greco Roman and Freestyle) with just the one sport. All sports would be free to send their best to the Olympics to compete in the best tradition of the Kumite or the original UFC.
Thoughts?
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Todd Jackson 6 months ago
Youd do have a great point. I imagine that the purists of their individual competitions would prefer to keep it simple though. I like the idea but there are those who take more pride in their individual competitions than they would have ambitions to compete at a higher more combined level. I do think that certain athletes would jump ship over to MMA training though, if made available as an option. I like the idea. It may be but yet another step in the direction I am talking about. A lot of people are against this, but the majority of fans like the idea. I wonder if it will ever happen. Take care and thanks for reading and commenting.
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brandon mcclinton 6 months ago
hey, i just read this article and you make some valid points. I didn't have time to read all of the comments and i don't want to rehash arguments or compliments you've already received. besides some of the above statements, the only reason i can see why mma would have difficulty in the olympics is because of injury. I wouldn't be surprised if there were a lot of alternates.
anyway, good article. sorry i missed when you first published it.
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