"We have developed a regulatory framework that is specifically focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes, and that is in line with Olympic values," says Gordon Tang, a Chinese real estate magnate and chairman of a lobbying organization for the sport.
The goal is the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, and Tang sees the ongoing Asian Games in Japan as an important step along the way.
The MMA practiced there is not much like the usual variant and lacks the familiar cage around the octagon where the fights take place. In addition, there is a ban on using elbows, knees and kicks to the head when the opponent is down.
