how this sport which was banned became a phenomenon in France

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This is the story of a sport which is around thirty years old, but whose popularity has been exponential in France since 2020: MMA, for “ mixed martial arts » (mixed martial arts).

The figures speak for themselves: 60,000 practitioners were recorded at the start of 2024, i.e. an increase of 338% in one year.

And in the coming days, this fashion around combat sport is expected to grow further. For good reason? Content will multiply: The Cagea series by Franck Gastambide around MMA, is released this Friday, November 8, 2024 on Netflix. On November 20, M6 + will broadcast MMA Academya show to highlight amateur fighters, like Star Ac’.

But how can we explain this explosion for this sport which was still banned until recently?

The allure of novelty

“Young people have the impression of having discovered a new sport,” laughs Jérôme Pourrut, president of Hexagone MMA, a French MMA league, asked by actu.fr.

However, MMA is not new, it became more popular in the 1990s.

But with France's late authorization of this sport in 2020, “there is growing sporting interest”, he continues. Understand, before 2020, the media (some of which were already broadcasting fights) looked at this sport with an intrigued eye, without looking at the sport as such.

MMA is a sport that rewards the “most complete fighter.” This three-dimensional sport brings together techniques from numerous martial arts and combat sports (judo, Brazilian jiujitsu, boxing, karate).

There are percussion techniques (foot, fist, knees and elbow professionally) standing and on the ground. There are also throwing and sweeping techniques as well as submissions.

A fight can be won by knockout, submission or decision of the three judges present.

With the authorization of MMA in France, the fights are broadcast almost everywhere, and the clubs are multiplying. Enough to give impetus to the practice in France, “a country of combat sports”, recalls Grégory Bouchelaghem, known under the name of Greg MMA. He will be the president of the academy, in the telecrochet MMA Academy of M6+.

Not just a sport for big nags

The former fighter, now a consultant, also insists on the image of MMA which has evolved. “It’s not a sport for tough guys, it’s an eminently technical sport,” analyzes Grégory Bouchelaghem.

There is a lot of technique and strategy. In MMA, every detail counts.

“We know how to counter big bullies,” laughs the veteran. Enough to give a little more appeal to this sport.

Star fighters

If MMA and its sporting interest appeal, it is also because the fighters are stars. Francis Ngannou, Benoit Saint-Martin and so many others…

They compete in the biggest leagues in the world: the UFC, the “MMA Champions League”, the PFL, with regular events, but not every day either: enough to create anticipation around major competitions .

“Compared to other combat sports, the organization of MMA is easy to read, with the leagues. This creates stories,” says Jérôme Pourrut. “The spectators identify with the fighters. »

In addition, MMA is very televisual.

A sport made for social networks

Social networks are also at the heart of the strategy to popularize MMA in France, notably implemented by RMC Sportone of the main broadcasters.

In addition to the paid television broadcast of the fights, this media broadcasts extracts or documentaries for free on its various channels, X, Twitch or YouTube. They have millions of views.

The sport is made for TikTok and Instagram: with five-minute rounds, ultra-spectacular movements, posts go viral.

Such an important area of ​​MMA as the series The Cage emphasizes the importance of social networks. The fighters challenge each other, even insult each other. Almost like in real life, where their communication is only through these channels. It is also a way for each fighter to make themselves known.

The value of visibility, via social networks, is enormous.

“This is just the beginning”

If it remains a combat sport, Jérôme Pourrut insists on the family environment around fights, during events. “This plays into the (positive) perception of sport. »

And if we look ahead, the rise of MMA only seems to have barely begun: “It’s only the beginning,” believes Jérome Pourrut.

There are no fights on TNT channels yet.

With general public content like The Cage, MMA Academythere will be a “great promotion of sport”.

“MMA will enter homes,” rejoices Grégory Bouchelaghem, who thinks that spectators “will become attached to the fighters and understand the subtleties of the sport.” And the president of the MMA Academy also sees a bright future for the practice in France. The octagon fights are not about to stop.

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