MMA Is Not on the LA28 Olympic Program
Mixed martial arts was not included on the official sports program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and other advocates have sought Olympic recognition, but advocacy and international recognition do not amount to inclusion in the LA28 program.
With a presence in major promotions such as the UFC, Bellator, ONE Championship, and Cage Warriors, mixed martial arts has solidified its position as one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. The campaign, spearheaded by UFC President Dana White and representatives from the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), highlights the sport’s structured weight divisions, rule set, and vast international participation.
MMA’s credibility as an Olympic-caliber sport was further reinforced by its existing amateur scene, governed by IMMAF. The organization has hosted world championships since 2014, with fighters from over 120 countries competing under unified amateur regulations. This structured competition model aligns closely with Olympic standards, strengthening the argument for MMA’s inclusion.
The executives’ proposal emphasizes the sport’s ability to showcase elite athleticism across multiple disciplines, incorporating striking, grappling, wrestling, and submissions. With Olympic combat sports already featuring boxing, wrestling, judo, and taekwondo, proponents argue that MMA brings the most complete representation of martial arts competition.
Supporters of the movement include prominent MMA figures such as former UFC champions Georges St-Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Ronda Rousey, all of whom have endorsed the effort to make MMA an official Olympic sport. Meanwhile, skeptics point to concerns regarding injury risks, regulatory challenges, and the need for a standardized scoring system to align with Olympic criteria.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expected to review the proposal later this year, weighing the viability of adding MMA to the 2028 Los Angeles Games. If approved, MMA’s inclusion would mark a historic moment for combat sports, providing the world’s top fighters an opportunity to compete for Olympic gold.
(Sources: IMMAF Official Statement, UFC Press Release, Olympic Committee Agenda Reports)
