MMA to make its debut in 2026 Japan Asian Games with 6 medal events.

The MMA event in the 2026 Asian Games has been classified under the combat sports category alongside jiu-jitsu and kurash.

Tang Kai, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, and Stamp Fairtex. The most talented combat sports fighters from Asia.

Japan Prepares to Host the 20th Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture in 2026. The prestigious multi-sport event is set to take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, marking a return to the traditional four-year cycle after the 2022 edition was postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A major development for the upcoming Games is the Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) decision to include Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as an official event, adding an exciting new dimension to the continental competition. This move highlights the growing global popularity of MMA and reinforces the Asian Games’ commitment to evolving with modern sports trends.

Fans and athletes alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling edition of the Asian Games, blending tradition with innovation.

But why wasn’t MMA the part of Asian Games till now??

1. Lack of a Single Governing Body

Unlike sports such as boxing (governed by AIBA) or judo (IJF), MMA does not have a universally recognized international federation that can standardize rules, drug testing, and athlete eligibility.

2. Perception as “Too Violent”

Many traditional sports organizations still view MMA as too brutal compared to established martial arts (e.g., judo, taekwondo, wrestling). The Asian Games prioritizes sports with Olympic ties, and MMA’s image (blood, knockouts, ground-and-pound) makes it a harder sell.

3. Asian Games Focuses on Olympic Sports

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) tends to favor sports that are already in the Olympics or have strong regional federations. Since MMA is not an Olympic sport, it lacks priority.

Nate Diaz pins Conor McGregor to the mat during UFC 196 in Las Vegas

And what really became the reason of including MMA in next Asian Games??

Lately MMA has garnered a significant fan following in Asian countries. The craze for combat sports is evident from the response that has been garnered by the initiative “Road to UFC” by the prestigious American promotion UFC. Several fighters from countries like India, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and others from the Asian region come up to join the cards as they fight to pave their way into cash rich combat promotion. Also, this initiative shall be a major boost for athletes within the Asian region to cash in the upcoming Opportunities. It shall be noted that the inclusion of the combat sport shall add to its popularity and legitimacy within the Asian region.

Top Left: Anshul Jubli(UFC’s First Indian Fighter), Top Right: Pooja Tomar Becomes the first indian to win a UFC bout, Bottom Left: Ritu Phogat faces the biggest MMA fight of her life, Bottom Right: Angad Bisht becomes a world class fighter from a gym trainer.

Impact on Indian MMA Scene.

The inclusion of MMA in the 2026 Asian Games (if confirmed) could have a transformative impact on the sport’s growth in India, especially given the country’s deep-rooted wrestling culture and rising interest in combat sports.

Indian fighters like Anshul Jubli and Pooja Tomar have been able to leave a mark within the circuit of MMA. Tomar became the first Indian to win a bout within UFC and is on her way to leave a legacy behind within the women’s strawweight division of the promotion.

Here’s how it might influence the Indian MMA scene:

1. Increased Mainstream Recognition & Legitimacy

• Current Perception: Many Indians still view MMA as “too violent” or “undisciplined” compared to traditional sports like wrestling or boxing.
• Asian Games Effect: If MMA becomes an official medal sport, it will gain government and institutional recognition, changing public perception.
• Media & Sponsorships: Big broadcasters (Sony, Star Sports) and brands (like JSW, Dream11) may invest more in MMA coverage and athlete sponsorships.

2. Government & Institutional Support

• SAI & Khelo India Involvement: If MMA is in the Asian Games, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) may start funding training programs, just like they do for wrestling and boxing.
• State-Level Academies: More MMA gyms could emerge with government backing, similar to how akhadas (traditional wrestling schools) operate.

3. Rise of Indian MMA Stars

• Current Stars: Anshul Jubli (UFC), Pooja Tomar (UFC), and Bharat Kandare (ONE Championship) are already inspiring young fighters.
• Asian Games as a Launchpad: If India fields an MMA team, new stars could emerge, much like Mary Kom in boxing or Bajrang Punia in wrestling.
• Path to UFC/ONE: Strong performances could lead to more Indian fighters getting signed by global promotions.

4. Grassroots Growth & Youth Participation

• More Gyms & Coaches: With increased legitimacy, MMA schools (like Superhuman Gym, Crosstrain Fight Club) will expand beyond metro cities.
• College & University Leagues: Universities may introduce MMA programs, just like they have for boxing and judo.
• Crossover from Wrestling/Kabaddi: Many Indian wrestlers (like Ritu Phogat) transition to MMA—more will follow if the sport gets recognition.

5. Economic & Commercial Boost

• More MMA Events: Promotions like Matrix Fight Night (MFN), ONE Championship, and UFC may host bigger India events.
• Sponsorship Deals: Fighters could land endorsements (like Olympic athletes do).
• Betting & Fantasy Sports: Platforms like Dream11 may add MMA, increasing fan engagement.

6. Challenges That Remain

• Cultural Resistance: Some conservative groups may still oppose MMA’s “violent” nature.
• Lack of Infrastructure: India still lacks high-level MMA training centers compared to wrestling akhadas.
• Need for a Strong Federation: A unified Indian MMA Federation (like the Boxing Federation of India) is needed to regulate the sport.

Written by: Pranav Parmar