Since French Sports Minister, Roxana Mărăcineanu, stated her plans to legalise MMA in France and called for bids from recognised combat sport federations to house the sport, French judo is not on the only one to have been approached by the media for comment.
Pictured above: Set-up for different age-groups and levels at the MMA National Championships in Italy under the Italian MMA and Grappling federation, FIGMMA
Speaking to arcynety.com French Wrestling Federation President, Alain Bertholom, stated that he stands ready to welcome MMA:
“We have a project that is well underway for us to be able to take on MMA, as voted by our general assembly in April 2018 by more than 80%. So we will be ready to respond to what looks like a kind of departmental tender. What is certain is that we must now decide to properly supervise this practice, otherwise there will, one day or another, be problems … ”
IMMAF – WMMAA, President Kerrith Brown, commented:
“The warm response from French Wrestling is heartening. A number of our MMA federations enjoy a positive working relationship with wrestling sports through similar structures, which evolved previously under FILA. A notable case is Italy, where we are to hold our European Championships and Youth Championships this year. Wrestling is a fundamental component of the discipline of MMA and the Federazione Italiana Grappling Mixed Martial Arts (FIGMMA) has developed a highly effective progression pathway for MMA from these roots.
“I am heartened by the openness of other combat sports, at a national level, to a collaboration with MMA. Our sports share so many more commonalities than differences. I look forward to observing the progression of these discussions in France through the CFMMA in the best interests of our sport.”
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