MMA Set for Historic Asian Games Debut in 2026

TOKYO, Japan — Mixed martial arts (MMA) will officially make its Asian Games debut when Japan hosts the continent’s premier multi-sport event in 2026, organizers announced Tuesday.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) confirmed that MMA will be included as a discipline under combat sports, featuring six competition events during the Games​.

The decision was finalized at a meeting in Nagoya, one of the host cities for the Games, as organizers ramped up preparations for the sporting spectacle​.

In addition to MMA, cricket was also formally approved for inclusion, although questions remain over where matches will be played due to a lack of existing facilities in Aichi prefecture​.

“The OCA and local organizers will hold meetings this week as they ramp up preparations for the 2026 Games,” the Council said in a statement​.

The 2026 Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, mainly across Nagoya and the wider Aichi region​.

The OCA estimates that up to 15,000 athletes could participate, potentially making the Games larger in scale than the Summer Olympics​.

MMA’s inclusion marks a significant milestone for the sport, which has experienced explosive global growth over the past two decades, driven by promotions like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and ONE Championship​.

Traditionally seen as a controversial and unregulated sport in its early years, MMA has gained widespread legitimacy, with many countries now having national federations and sanctioning bodies recognized by international sports organizations​.

In Asia, organizations such as ONE Championship have been pivotal in elevating MMA’s status, hosting world-class events across cities like Singapore, Tokyo, and Manila, and showcasing top talent from the region​.

The 2026 Games will be the first time MMA is included in a major continental sporting event sanctioned by the OCA, marking a major victory for advocates seeking to further integrate MMA into mainstream athletics​.

Meanwhile, cricket’s future at the Asian Games has been solidified despite logistical uncertainties, as T20 cricket—the format to be played—has already seen previous success at the Covid-delayed Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023​.

Cricket’s re-inclusion also complements its upcoming return to the Olympic program in Los Angeles 2028, indicating growing international recognition of the sport’s popularity, particularly in South Asia​.

Governor Hideaki Omura of Aichi previously stated in December that preparations for the Games were progressing smoothly, attempting to allay concerns raised by Japanese media about organizational delays​.

Reports earlier alleged that the OCA had raised issues regarding accommodations, athlete transportation, and overall event management, and had urged local officials to speed up their efforts to meet hosting obligations​.

The OCA’s announcement on Tuesday reflects cautious optimism, but organizers remain under pressure to resolve key logistical challenges well ahead of the Games​.

Next year’s competition will mark the 20th edition of the Asian Games, which have historically served as a launchpad for sports seeking broader acceptance on the Olympic stage​.

Past examples include badminton and taekwondo, both of which first gained regional prominence at the Asian Games before being added to the Summer Olympics​.

MMA proponents hope that inclusion at Nagoya 2026 could lay the groundwork for a future Olympic bid, although no official movement on that front has yet materialized​.

As the world’s largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, the Asian Games offer a valuable platform for MMA athletes to compete under a unifying banner, gaining exposure beyond specialized promotions​.

The full program of events, including the specifics of MMA competition formats and weight classes, will be finalized following further meetings between the OCA and event organizers later this year​.

While excitement builds over MMA’s historic entry, the road to Nagoya 2026 will require diligent work from local authorities to meet the ambitious standards set by the OCA and international sports federations​.