As the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics move forward on the calendar, combat sports fans are used to seeing spectacular displays of many martial arts, including boxing and all forms of wrestling, throughout the event. This begs the question: why isn’t MMA in the Olympics?

In recent weeks, we’ve seen leading figures in the sport, from fighters to promotional figures, raise questions about the future of mixed martial arts at the Olympics — and it could even be at the next edition of the Summer Games in Los Angeles 2028.

No longer in its infancy, the world of mixed martial arts has become one of the most popular sports in the world today, especially in mainstream media and popular culture. This is due in large part to the UFC, world-class stars such as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, as well as many other organizations spread across Europe, Brazil, Asia and North America.

So why isn’t MMA in the Olympics?

The world of mixed martial arts has gained such a large fan base, especially in the last decade, that many people have called for the sport to be included in the next Olympic games. One of these was the leader of the PFL (Professional Fighters League). He questioned why MMA is not in the Olympics.

“MMA fighters are some of the most athletic individuals in the world and yet MMA is not recognized as an Olympic Sport,” Peter Murray wrote on the official X account. “This is despite the fact that many fighters have not only competed in the Olympics, but have won Gold Medals. It’s time to change that. It’s time to recognize MMA for what it is, on the biggest stage available. MMA IS A GOLD MEDAL SPORT #MMAIS

From former UFC middleweight title challenger Yoel Romero (who also won an Olympic medal for his incredible wrestling skills) to Claressa Shields and current UFC star Kayla Harrison, who is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, the question of talent willing to compete on the Olympic stage in mixed martial arts should be answered by now.

What’s more, a potential Olympic setting for mixed martial arts competition could lead to a number of stunning potential crossover fights involving participants from a range of organizations – and even pave the way for formidable amateur talent to showcase their skills on the world stage, similar to boxing’s prominent history at summer events.

Considering the potential of a pioneering organization supported by IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) to bring this sport to the stage, the question once again comes to mind: Why is MMA not included in the Olympics?