The Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts announced on December 19, 2019 that it has formally submitted its application for Observer Status with the Global Association of International Sport Federations. The observer status from the GAISF enables the GAMMA to continue improving and strengthening governance, rules, policies and global representation for the sport of MMA.
Carving a path of success for athletes who one day aspire to become professional MMA fighters, the GAMMA provides a safe and competitive platform to build and develop the MMA scene from the grassroots, ONE Championship chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong stated, “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,” Chatri continued. “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.”
In partnership with the GAMMA, ONE Championship hosted the 2019 GAMMA World Championship from November 18-23, 2019 at the Singapore Expo Hall 9 in Singapore. GAMMA president Alexander Engelhardt said, “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,” Engelhardt continued. “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.”
Based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the GAMMA is a non-profit organization made up of thought leaders and pioneers in MMA across five continents with decades of experience in the sport. Its members are made up of national federations across almost 100 countries.
The application is a major leap forward in the 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. The 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.
CONAN Daily 