UFC CEO Dana White didn’t hesitate when asked if mixed martial arts (MMA) should be an Olympic sport.
Boxing, judo, wrestling and karate have all been included at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
The martial arts are all separate events, with MMA NOT featured.
The topic of MMA being added to the Olympics is often brought up due to the rapid rise of the sport, particularly with the exponential growth of the UFC.
And White believes the sport of MMA should be a separate event at the Olympics.
Speaking in a UFC fan Q&A, he argued: “I think it should be an Olympic sport already.”
He also explained that he isn’t personally involved with the push to see it added, but would like to see the sport featured in such a momentous event.
“It’s not my job. It’s not what I’m looking to do,” he added. “I’m not pushing to turn this thing into an Olympic sport. [But] I agree with whoever said that, yes [I’d like to see it added].”
White also said it should be the International Olympic Committee (IOC) pushing for MMA to be introduced, citing viewership figures.
He said: “And not to mention the fact that one of the big problems the Olympics is having right now, is viewership… You want viewers? Put MMA in the Olympics.”
Judo at the 2024 Olympics. Image: Getty
Daniel Cormier, however, sees it differently to White as he explained why it’s ‘too hard’ for MMA to be featured at the Olympics.
Cormier, who represented Team USA in wrestling at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, said: “I don’t think so, I just think it’s too hard.
“If we’re doing mixed martial arts at the level of an Olympic sport, you’ve got to have multiple cages in one venue…
“You’re going to have to take away elbows, certain kicks, you’d have to wear shin guards but it’s too dangerous in terms of injuries.”
BEST ODDS ON THE INTERNET!!!