Mixed Martial Arts to Feature as a Demonstration Sport Alongside Olympic Disciplines

MMA competition will be taking place alongside Olympic sports in the African Games 2023 for the very first time in Accra, Ghana from this Sunday 10 to Monday 12 March.

The 13th edition of the four-year, multi-sport event runs from 8 to 23 March, organised by the African Union (AU), the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC) and the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (SCSA).

Officially recognised in Africa by the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC), GAMMA has 24 recognised and active member federations, with a further 10 in the process of becoming members. GAMMA is the only world governing body for the sport of mixed martial arts that is recognised by SportAccord, the Global Association of International Sports Federations.

The inclusion of mixed martial arts as a demonstration sport in the African Games 2023 is a significant milestone for the sport. It highlights the growing popularity and acceptance of MMA as a legitimate sport on the global stage.

Mixed martial arts is a combat sport that combines various disciplines such as boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and more. It is known for its versatility and the use of both striking and grappling techniques. MMA competitions are intense and physically demanding, requiring athletes to possess a wide range of skills and techniques.

By featuring MMA alongside Olympic disciplines, the African Games 2023 aims to showcase the diversity and inclusivity of sports. It provides an opportunity for MMA athletes to compete at a prestigious event and gain recognition for their hard work and dedication.

The inclusion of MMA in the African Games also opens doors for the sport to be considered for future inclusion in the Olympic Games. This is a significant step forward for MMA as it continues to gain recognition and acceptance as a mainstream sport.

Furthermore, the presence of MMA in the African Games will undoubtedly attract a wider audience and generate more interest in the sport. It will expose MMA to new fans and spectators who may not have been familiar with the sport before.

The African Games 2023 is set to be an exciting event for both athletes and spectators. With the inclusion of mixed martial arts as a demonstration sport, it promises to showcase the thrilling action and skill of MMA alongside the traditional Olympic disciplines.

As MMA continues to grow in popularity and gain recognition worldwide, its inclusion in prestigious events like the African Games is a testament to its status as a legitimate sport. This milestone opens doors for further opportunities and advancements for MMA on the global stage.