MMA Transitions into a Family-Friendly Spectacle, Moving Away from its Brutal Combat Origin?

MMA's Transformation: Is Oktagon turning MMA from a Bloodsport into a Family Affair?

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) shifting towards a more family-friendly atmosphere?

By Mike B., Prague

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In Germany, MMA events cater to the entire family, despite age restrictions for viewers. Oktagon, the dominant force in the country's MMA market, seeks to harmonize the FSK standards between Germany and its neighboring country, the Czech Republic, hinting at a shift towards a more family-friendly perception of MMA.

Parents keen on enrolling their children in combat sports can sign their tiny warriors up for wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu as early as age four and MMA training from the age of eleven. However, in Germany, MMA events are accessible only to those aged 18 and over due to youth protection laws, in stark contrast to neighboring countries like the Czech Republic, where MMA events attract children. Oktagon, based in the Czech Republic, hopes to revolutionize the way Germans view MMA.

"In the Czech Republic, people have learned MMA is an inspiring sport," says Pavol Neruda, co-founder of Oktagon, in an interview with ntv/RTL. Children in his home country understand it's a competition, not a street fight. When the sport first emerged a decade ago in the Czech Republic, there were concerns, primarily due to its novelty. "Uncharted territory," Neruda says, describing early apprehension. Anti-bullying campaigns involving multiple fighters eventually changed the sport's image.

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Before Oktagon expanded into Germany, it faced regulations in Slovakia. Free-TV broadcasts were allowed only after 8 PM, but this restriction was quickly eliminated, according to Neruda. "Sponsors and TV partners were initially cautious," he says.

Germany: The Obstacle

Yet, this changed within a few months. Oktagon launched a reality show focusing on MMA and the fighters' gripping stories, paving the way for live events on major private channels in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

In Germany, Neruda found a concerted and seemingly contradictory approach. "We were taken aback by this," he reveals. Regulations varied between federal states, with some events prohibited and age-related restrictions on viewership. MMA could only be televised after 11 PM — a challenge for Oktagon.

Unlike boxing, which can be aired as early as 10 PM, MMA is rated FSK 18 due to brutal imagery and the way it's portrayed. The rating doesn't refer to the sport itself, but to its media representation.

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The presentation of fights holds significant importance in both MMA and boxing. Highlights, knockouts, or jaw-dropping techniques are often replayed. Boxing has already gained social acceptance, and its evaluation by state media authorities is based more on context and artistic merit than strict adherence to a checklist.

Oktagon aims to raise awareness, as in its home country. "Rules aren't always designed for new situations," muses Neruda. "These regulations should adjust to accommodate the growth of this increasingly popular sport."

Bringing MMA back to free TV represents a significant educational milestone, according to Neruda. "It would make a tremendous difference," he admits. He's not taken aback if people fear it. "But the way we present MMA is family-oriented. We can explain that it's a sport, how fighters prepare, show respect, and aren't in the cage to kill each other."

Source: ntv.de

Mixed Martial Arts

Enrichment Data:There is an emerging shift towards presenting MMA in a more family-friendly light, particularly in marketing by organizations like Oktagon. This is seen as a strategy to widen its audience and make the sport more accessible. However, mainstream MMA remains largely viewed as an adult combat sport, with vast differences in regulations across countries and regions.

"Oktagon, the dominant force in Germany's MMA market, is working to make Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) more family-friendly, aiming to adjust the regulations to accommodate the growth of this increasingly popular sport."

"In its efforts to transform MMA's image, Oktagon hopes to bring MMA events back to free television, considering it a significant educational milestone that could make a tremendous difference in the way people perceive the sport."