MANILA — The Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) has formally submitted its application for observer status with the Global Association of International Sport Federations (GAISF).
The application is a major leap forward in GAMMA’s quest for approval from the GAISF and ultimately from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to recognize mixed martial arts as an Olympic sport.
GAMMA’s objective is to obtain international recognition for mixed martial arts as an Olympic sport, in order to give all mixed martial artists, the platform and opportunity to fulfill their dream of competing on the Olympic stage.
With an observer status, the GAMMA will continue improving and strengthening governance, rules, policies, and global representation for the sport of mixed martial arts.
Based in Amsterdam, GAMMA is a non-profit organization composed of national federations across 100 countries. The association provides a safe and competitive platform to build and develop the mixed martial arts scene from the grassroots, carving a path of success for athletes who one day aspire to become professional mixed martial artists.
GAMMA president Alexander Engelhardt said he believes that having an observer status with GAISF will bring mixed martial arts to the Olympics.
“The success of the GAMMA World Championship in Singapore last November brought together different great nations in celebration of martial arts and our community. Now, it’s time to take the next step forward. Through our partnership with ONE Championship, GAMMA’s goal is to provide all mixed martial arts athletes the global platform to showcase their skills. GAMMA is built on the strong foundation of the true values of martial arts, and we believe having Observer Status with GAISF brings us closer to achieving our ultimate goal — to bring the sport of mixed martial arts to the Olympics,” he said in a statement released to the media last Thursday.
Chatri Sityodtong, chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, said he is fully supporting GAMMA’s commitment to further develop mixed martial arts.
“As the world’s largest stage for martial arts, ONE Championship is a celebration of martial arts and its deep-rooted values of integrity, humility, honor, respect, courage, discipline, and compassion. The sport of mixed martial arts is an incredible medium to unleash the greatness of humanity. ONE Championship’s partnership with GAMMA is a testament to our commitment to giving all amateur athletes the support they need as they pursue a career in mixed martial arts, including opportunities to earn scholarships to train in the best gyms around the world, and the chance to showcase their talent on the most prestigious stage of global competition. I fully support GAMMA’s dedication to further developing the sport of mixed martial arts, and I’m excited to see it one day be recognized as an official sport in the Olympics,” he said. (PR)
