The Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) announced on December 19 that it has applied for Observer Status with the Global Association of International Sports Federations.
GAMMA has always been for the continuous improvement of mixed martial arts all over the world, and an Observer Status would only make things easier for the association to strengthen rules and policies, while also giving global representation to the sport.
ONE Championship and GAMMA have been working hand-in-hand since last April in the hopes of one day having amateur mixed martial arts as an Olympic sport, and this new initiative will only push them closer to their goals.
ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong welcomes GAMMA’s efforts and he vows to have their back in this endeavor.
“ONE Championship’s partnership with GAMMA is a testament to our commitment to giving all amateur athletes the support they need as they pursue a career in mixed martial arts, including opportunities to earn scholarships, to train in the best gyms around the world, and the chance to showcase their talent on the most prestigious stage of global competition,” Sityodtong said.
“I fully support GAMMA’s dedication to further developing the sport of mixed martial arts, and I am excited to see it one day be recognized as an official sport in the Olympics.”
Just last November in Singapore, ONE hosted the 2019 GAMMA World Championships, which saw some of the best amateur mixed martial artists compete in the five-day extravaganza.
For GAMMA President Alexander Engelhardt, he welcomes all the support from The Home Of Martial Arts and he believes they are just getting started.
“Now it’s time to take the next step forward. Through our partnership with ONE Championship, GAMMA’s goal is to provide all mixed martial arts athletes the global platform to showcase their skills,” Engelhardt said.
“GAMMA is built on the strong foundation of true values of martial arts, and we believe having Observer Status with GAISF brings us closer to achieving our ultimate goal – to bring the sport of mixed martial arts to the Olympics.”
Meanwhile, ONE Championship returns to martial arts action on January 10 for ONE: A NEW TOMORROW at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Catch all the action live and for free on the ONE Super App.