MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is set to make its debut at the 2026 Asian Games. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has officially included MMA at Asian Games 2026 program, marking a significant milestone for MMA in the region. As per the OCA, MMA will schedule approximately six events, and it will be classified as a discipline under combat sports.
It will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
An External Auditor to supervise the venue operations of the events at the 20th Asian Games in Japan.
There will be six weight classes including both men and women:
It will feature two distinct formats: Traditional MMA and Modern MMA, each with specific weight categories, which are displayed below :
- Men’s MMA 60 kg
- Men’s MMA 71 kg
- Men’s Traditional MMA 65 kg
- Men’s traditional MMA 77 kg
- Women’s MMA 54 kg
- Women’s traditional MMA 60 kg
Attire to follow by athletes for MMA at Asian Games:
For Traditional: Athletes will wear traditional robes, allowing for techniques such as grabbing and throwing using the garment
For Modern: Athletes will wear tight-fitting clothing like rash guards and shorts, with shirtless competition prohibited.
All MMA athletes wear 1 mouthguard, 4 ounces or more of gloves, and shin guards. Traditional MMA wear robes. You can also use the technique of catching and throwing robes and using a collar.
Participation and Representation :
Countries can enter one athlete per weight category, totaling six events across both formats. Notably, professional fighters or athletes are eligible to compete, ensuring a high level of competition.
Rule variations and differences between the Asian Games MMA and the Professional MMA organization are mentioned below.
MMA is mainly known through its professional organizations like UFC, but the format in the asian games will introduce some rule variations like below :
| MMA in Organizations | MMA in the Asian Games | |
| Match Structure | MMA in the Asian Games | Shorter bouts – two rounds of 3 minutes each, with a potential extension to 5 minutes for final matchups |
| Ground Control | No limit, but ensuring a higher pace and continuous action | 20-second limit will be enforced for prolonged ground grappling, ensuring a higher pace and continuous action |
| Gloves and Protection | lighter than boxing gloves, usually weighing around 4oz to 6oz. | will be larger and made of softer material, enhancing safety. |
| Competition Area | Boxing Ring or Cage | 20 20-second limit will be enforced for prolonged ground grappling, ensuring a higher pace and continuous action |
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MMA is one of the fast growing sports in India now and more people are interested in this sports now. As per times of India, MMA star Ritu phogat said that Indian Government and Sponsors must come forward to support athletes of MMA in India.
MMA fans around the words are very happy for MMA include in Asian Games and looking forward to support their favorites athletes.