Three letters that snap, a name that packs a punch: “MMA”, for Mixed Martial Arts. A Sport which really developed in the 1990s and which was only authorized in France from January 2020. This weekend, the discipline stops in Lille for two galas, the Pro Evolution Fighting at the Casino Barrière (Thursday May 2) and the King of Fighters, the next day (Friday May 3), at the Zenith. With the same credo: gain followers and sweep away some prejudices.
No, not all moves are allowed
Long associated with free fight, MMA was only codified in the 1990s and brings together several techniques from combat sports (boxing, wrestling, grappling, kickboxing, etc.). The two fighters start standing, in an octagon-shaped cage, can hit each other with their fists and feet, but also continue their confrontation on the ground. Contrary to popular belief, not every move is allowed. Head butts, kicks or knees on the ground, unfair acts, are punishable by disqualification. There are several ways to win in MMA: by knockout, by technical knockout, by “submission” (choking) or by judges’ decisions (on points).
A “historic” craze
More spectacular, more violent too, than “traditional” combat sports (it is not uncommon for participants to end up bloody) the discipline has long remained confidential in France and has gained followers – often young – via social networks. Since the authorization of fights in France in January 2020, clubs have multiplied in the region (Roubaix, Baisieux, Calais, Maubeuge, etc.) and in France. There would be around 250, for a little less than 3,000 licensees (but 20 times more practitioners). “ It’s a sport that has a lot of “hype”, which is growing very quickly, the fastest historically, confided French bantamweight Taylor Lapilus in 2022. When we see the big television channels investing in the fight, it’s quite telling. MMA can be the second sport in France (…) everyone will gradually get started with the media coverage that comes. »
A supervised practice among young people
There is no specific age to start MMA. The clubs accept young fighters as soon as they “feel ready”. Practice and opposition are, however, very supervised. Up to 18 years old, “ no strikes to the face of a standing opponent nor any strikes to the face of a grounded opponent » are not particularly tolerated. The broadcasting of fights on television is subject to a strict framework: clashes are not recommended for those under 16 years of age. Retransmission is prohibited on free channels before 10:30 p.m.; 8:30 p.m. on paid channels.
Fighters from all walks of life
They come from boxing, kickboxing, ju-jitsu or even judo: the strength of MMA is this power of attraction which brings together fighters from all disciplines. Above all, it offers them media exposure (and a “small” check) that they would never have had in their original discipline.
The Americans Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison, respectively medalist and double Olympic champion in judo, are among the big stars of women’s MMA. French heavyweight Ciryl Gane comes from Muay Thai. Frenchman Jérôme Le Banner, organizer of “KOF”, was a huge star in kickboxing before moving on to MMA.
The latest “convert” to date: Raphaël Tronché, who therefore embarks on the adventure after that of English boxing. The Grand-Synthois will enter the octagon this Friday evening, during the “KOF” stage in Lille.
In the USA, a huge business
Cradle of the discipline, the United States very quickly saw several leagues develop, including the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), the most important and prestigious, which could be described as the “NBA of MMA”. Almost all the stars (Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, Dustin Poirier, the French Ciryl Gane and Benoît Saint Denis, etc.) are affiliated with it.
“ The visibility that the UFC gives you is far above any other organization, it takes you to another world, explained Benoît Saint Denis, in September 2022. The strongest fighters can earn several million dollars per appearance.
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The UFC has been exported worldwide and should also travel to France for the third time, at the end of September, to the Accor Arena in Paris. Pro Evolution Fighting (PEF) and King of Fighters (KOF) are very far from all that, but are just waiting to take off. Enter the arena and see you this weekend…
– Pro Evolution Fighters, this Thursday, at 7 p.m., at Casino Barrière. Places still available from 70€.
– King of Fighters, this Friday, at 7 p.m., at the Zenith in Lille. Places still available from €49. The evening will be broadcast on RMC Sport.
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