The OCA will not affiliate with GAMMA or the IMMAF ©GAMMA

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) will not align with any international organisation for mixed martial arts (MMA), but is to create its own continental body.

This was confirmed by OCA director for the Asian Games, Haider Farman, at the latest meeting of the OCA Sports Committee.

Farman encouraged all National Olympic Committees to form their own National Federations to then affiliate with the OCA body.

"We hope that we will see this beautiful and fast-growing sport in our future Asian Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games or another," said Farman.

The role of the Asian Esports Federation has been likened to the soon-to-be-established MMA organisation ©Getty Images
The role of the Asian Esports Federation has been likened to the soon-to-be-established MMA organisation ©Getty Images

"This is where we are going to open the window for our athletes to have the opportunity to join their colleagues in these multi-sport events."

The OCA-backed body will be independent from the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (MMAF) and Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA).

Both GAMMA and the IMMAF claim to be the global governing body for MMA.

The OCA has likened the role if its soon-to-be-established regional MMA organisation to the Asian Esports Federation, which has OCA recognition and organises esports tournaments at the Asian Games.