55 athletes from 21 countries and regions compete across six medal categories as Mixed Martial Arts marks a historic milestone on Asia’s biggest multi-sport stage.
Nagoya, Japan | 20–22 September 2026
The Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA) celebrates a landmark moment for the sport as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) successfully concludes its historic debut at the 20th Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026, marking a significant milestone in the development and recognition of MMA across Asia.
Held from 20 to 22 September at the Nagoya City Inae Sports Center in Japan, the competition brought together 55 athletes representing 21 countries and regions, competing across six medal categories in Modern MMA and Traditional MMA.
For the first time in Asian Games history, MMA athletes stepped onto one of the continent’s most prestigious sporting stages, competing for Asian Games medals and the opportunity to make history for their respective nations.
Three Days of Historic Competition
The competition commenced on 20 September with preliminary and quarter-final bouts, followed by the semi-finals on 21 September. The tournament culminated on 22 September with the finals and medal ceremonies, where the first Asian Games MMA medallists were crowned.
Across six medal categories, including four men’s and two women’s divisions, athletes demonstrated technical excellence, determination and sportsmanship, showcasing the strength and diversity of MMA talent across the continent.
From striking exchanges to technical submissions and closely contested bouts, the competition highlighted the distinct disciplines of Modern and Traditional MMA, introducing the sport to a wider audience on the Asian Games stage.
A Defining Milestone for Asian Mixed Martial Arts
MMA’s inclusion in the 20th Asian Games represents a significant achievement for AMMA and its member federations, reflecting years of collective efforts to develop the sport, establish unified competition standards and create opportunities for athletes across Asia.
The historic debut also marks an important step forward in AMMA’s mission to strengthen the sport’s presence within the international multi-sport landscape.
Beyond the competition itself, the Asian Games provided an opportunity for athletes, coaches, referees and national federations from across the continent to come together and demonstrate the continued growth of MMA as an organised and internationally recognised sport.
Celebrating Asia’s First Asian Games MMA Medallists
The final day of competition marked a historic occasion as the first-ever Asian Games MMA medals were awarded across six categories.
Each medal represents not only an individual achievement but also a significant moment for the national federations, coaches and support teams who have contributed to their athletes’ development and preparation for the Games.
Their performances on this historic stage serve as an inspiration to the next generation of MMA athletes aspiring to represent their nations at the highest levels of international competition.
AMMA President Gordon Tang said the Asian Games debut represented an important step for the sport and its athletes.
“Nagoya has shown what MMA can achieve within a major multi-sport environment,” said President Tang. “We are extremely proud of the athletes who competed here and of the quality of the competition they delivered. For MMA, this is an important milestone and an important step towards our ambition of Olympic recognition. There is still much work to do, but Nagoya has given us a strong foundation for the next stage of our journey.”
Building on a Historic Achievement
The successful conclusion of MMA’s Asian Games debut builds on a landmark year for AMMA, following the 3rd AMMA Championship in China and the 2nd AMMA Youth Championship and 4th AMMA Championship in Uzbekistan earlier in 2026.
These competitions have provided important platforms for athlete development, international competition and qualification, contributing to the growing strength of MMA across Asia.
AMMA extends its appreciation to the Olympic Council of Asia, the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Organising Committee, participating national federations, athletes, coaches, referees, officials, volunteers and partners whose contributions made this historic debut possible.
As the first chapter of MMA’s Asian Games history comes to a close, AMMA remains committed to developing the sport across the continent, strengthening opportunities for emerging talent and building on the foundations established at Aichi–Nagoya 2026.
