FIMMA Officially Founded in Athens, Setting Global Course Toward MMA’s Olympic Future

The Federation of International Mixed Martial Arts (FIMMA) has been officially founded in Athens with support from nearly 50 nations. Backed by Olympic committees worldwide, FIMMA aims to unify MMA globally and secure the sport’s future in the Olympic Games.

Athens, Greece – A historic milestone has been reached for the global future of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The Federation of International Mixed Martial Arts (FIMMA) has been officially founded in Athens, uniting representatives from nearly 50 countries and regions through their National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and National MMA Federations. Together, they have endorsed a unified global pathway forward and launched the ambitious mission of securing MMA’s place in the Olympic Games.

FIMMA’s establishment marks a pivotal response to the international demand for a transparent, athlete-centred global governing body, capable of ensuring sustainable growth for MMA worldwide. The founding ceremony in Athens—birthplace of the Olympic Games and ancient combat sports—symbolically connects the sport’s modern aspirations to its historic roots.

MMA training programs

Co-founded by Gordon Tang, President of the Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA), and Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, FIMMA builds upon Tang’s success in securing MMA’s inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games, the 2026 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and the 2025 Asian Youth Games.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for MMA. With close to 50 countries represented at our founding meeting, we have demonstrated the global unity and commitment needed to bring our sport to the Olympic Games,” said Gordon Tang, founding President of FIMMA. “FIMMA will serve as the unifying force that elevates MMA from continental success to the global stage. Our partnership with the International Olympic Academy and ongoing discussions with continental bodies show we are building the infrastructure and relationships necessary for Olympic recognition.”

Continental Leaders Signal Global Support

FIMMA’s founding meeting featured strong representation from leaders across the Olympic Movement, underscoring unified international support.

Co-founder Isidoros Kouvelos played a central role in endorsing the new federation, while Abraham Tolentino, President of the Philippines Olympic Committee, also delivered significant support.

From the Caribbean, Keith Joseph, President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Commitittees, stated:

“We look forward to collaborating with FIMMA and to the day when MMA is included in Caribbean multi-sport competitions, creating new opportunities for our young athletes to compete on the international stage. At the same time, we share the collective hope of seeing MMA included in future Pan American competitions, further strengthening its presence across our hemisphere.”

“In a world where Mixed Martial Arts continues to grow in reach and significance, I hope that FIMMA will stand to safeguard athlete welfare, uphold the value of sports, and promote respect, honour, and good governance across the entire community.”

FIMMA is actively in discussions with the European Olympic Committees (EOC), the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), and the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees regarding MMA’s inclusion in their continental sports programs.

MMA training programs

The Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) has also provided meaningful support, reflecting the type of unity essential for MMA’s Olympic ambitions.

Additionally, Yang Yu, Chairman of Shanxi Qiansui  Fighting Co., Ltd. and founder of Jue Cheng King (JCK)—China’s most influential MMA promotion—attended as a guest. JCK will serve as a key strategic partner for FIMMA in China.

Through these alliances, FIMMA aims to develop a cohesive global structure of regional, continental, and international competitions that offer clear athlete pathways from grassroots participation to elite opportunities.

Partnership with the International Olympic Academy (IOA)

In a major step for technical development in the sport, FIMMA announced a new partnership with the International Olympic Academy (IOA). Together, they will launch a comprehensive development program for coaches and referees, aimed at elevating global standards in safety, training, and officiating.

The program will establish professional structures aligned with core Olympic values, focusing on:

• World-class coaching methodology
• Unified referee education and standards
• Athlete-first safety protocols

FIMMA will adopt the Asian MMA ruleset, which removes cages and rings in favor of open formats that enhance safety while preserving high-level competition.

Next Steps for Olympic Recognition

With its founding complete, FIMMA is now onboarding new member federations worldwide and organizing efforts to integrate MMA into upcoming continental games. These initiatives will help solidify a consistent international structure and prepare athletes for future multisport events.

Galastein Tan, FIMMA Director General, emphasized:

“Our mission is simple: put athletes first and deliver the world-class platforms they deserve. As we continue FIMMA’s expansion, our focus now is on solidifying our membership base, securing MMA’s place in more continental events, and laying out a transparent pathway toward the Olympic Games. We are committed to working with all stakeholders who share our vision of protecting and promoting MMA athletes worldwide.”

With unity across continents, major partnerships in development, and a clear commitment to athlete welfare, FIMMA has positioned itself as the global authority capable of guiding Mixed Martial Arts toward the Olympic stage.