Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at the 2026 Asian Games: Squaring Up for the Fight
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) officially included as a medal sport in the Asian Games.
Prepare for a fistful of action, as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) will storm the stage at the Asian Games scheduled for Nagoya, Japan in 2026. Organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), MMA will join the lineup of contact sports, alongside Japanese Martial Art Ju-Jitsu and Central Asian wrestling sport Kurash[3].
MMA, a full-contact combat sport with multiple fighting styles, is set to unleash its mayhem, craving for blood and glory[2].
Meanwhile, the OCA hinted at throwing cricket into the ring for the troubled 2023 COVID-delayed Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. According to the OCA announcement, the T20 (20 overs per side) format's inclusion will drive excitement, appreciable beyond the South Asian region[4].
Cricket, a fan-favorite, graced the list of medal events at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Over 12,000 athletes from 45 countries will sweat it out in 40 sports competitions at the Asian Games[1].
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- Overall: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at the 2026 Asian Games MMA will indeed be an official sport at the 2026 Asian Games, marking its debut in the event. The 2026 Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Japan's Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya from September 19 to October 4, 2026[1][2][4]. MMA will feature with six events and will be classified under combat sports[5].
Cricket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games There is no official indication that cricket will be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games at this time. Cricket was retained for the 2026 Asian Games after making previous appearances, but its inclusion in the Olympic Games remains uncertain[4]. While cricket has been gaining recognition, its Olympic status is still under consideration and not yet confirmed for the 2028 Olympics.
In summary, MMA will be part of the 2026 Asian Games, while cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics is not yet determined.
- Indonesia may host Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitions in the 2028 Olympics, as it has previously been a part of the medal events at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
- The format of MMA set for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, will adhere to the traditional mixed-martial-arts structure, featuring six different events categorized under combat sports.
- If cricket is to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the T20 (20 overs per side) format is likely to be the chosen one, driving excitement and attracting a vast audience beyond the South Asian region.
- Mixed Martial Arts Ju-Jitsu and Central Asian wrestling sport Kurash, along with MMA, will be among the contact sports showcased at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with over 12,000 athletes from 45 countries participating in approximately 40 sports competitions.
