The French capital is preparing to host, for the very first time, the world’s largest mixed martial arts (MMA) league. Only two years after its legalization in France, the practice of MMA is experiencing a new turning point: becoming more democratic and convincing the most skeptical. In a Parisian room in the 10th arrondissement, practitioners expect a lot from this evening which could mark the history of the discipline.
By Sophiane Amazian,
While the rays of the sun pierce the large windows of the Maccabi Paris room, raising the temperature and the humidity of the tatami mats, the fifty practitioners of the MMA course, in groups of two, try to reproduce the exercise of the trainer , bring down his opponent. Among them, Romain, 25, stands out. All dressed in black, the young man speaks about his experience, five years of MMA, to dominate his vis-à-vis. An early UFC fan, Romain is eager to follow the Parisian event on television. ” It’s just great. We couldn’t adapt with the Covid and therefore host this kind of event “, he explains before adding: “ It will perhaps show people who are still refractory to this discipline, that it is a sport, just like swimming or boxing. »
Mixed martial arts still suffer from a bad image in France. Reputed to be dangerous and bloody, its practice mainly appeals only to young people. However, an event labeled UFC also aims to democratize this sport, according to Ousmane, 35 years old and historical of this Parisian hall: “ The UFC can bring a professional dimension to the martial arts vision. It will give credibility to the practice, because people will be able to see with their own eyes how a fight unfolds. So yes, the cage gives a side “gladiator“, but she is there for the safety of the fighters. »
“Young people love it, for them it’s the sport of the future”
Lively, attentive and on his guard, Grégory Bouchelaghem or GregMMA, leaves no respite to his students, his ” friends “. The trainer, practicing martial arts for 25 years, impresses with his stature and his notoriety acquired on Youtube. He will be present very close to the octagon this Saturday, to take part in an event of another dimension: ” It’s the Champions League, we’re going to be amazed! An observation also shared by his students. ” The UFC I love, these are the most beautiful fights exclaims Romain. ” It’s an event you can’t miss “Sum Ousmane, smiling.
Young people are especially fond of MMA. The objective, with the arrival of the UFC, is to convince all the others. But for Grégory Bouchelaghem, MMA will impose itself: “ The UFC enjoys a very strong image, young people love it, for them it is the sport of the future, rightly so “. Before adding: It’s the freest sport, it’s an Anglo-Saxon spirit that is coming, people want something concrete and MMA meets this expectation. Concrete, just like the increase in registrations for MMA courses.
“Like the Olympics for judo or boxing, the UFC will bring new practitioners”
On the ground floor, a man is busy at reception. The telephone rings incessantly, a line is created in front of the reception of the room. Franck Attia is the director of the Parisian complex, specializing in martial arts for 17 years, and now in MMA: ” We have a nice increase, 25% more in one year, let’s say 150 MMA practitioners out of our 850 members “. The director already anticipates the influence of an event like the UFC on future registrations: “ There are people during registration who ask us: “Do you do UFC?” So, as a club, it’s very good to see them land in Paris. “Same story on the side of Grégory Bouchelaghem:” It’s like after the Olympics for judo or boxing, the UFC in France will bring new practitioners, that’s for sure. The UFC enjoys a very strong image. My classes are full, we are 50 per lesson, it’s already too much. »
While the practice of MMA has only been legal for two years, the infrastructures are not yet fully capable of meeting the growing demand. Scattered niches, lack of qualified teachers, the French MMA federation works closely with the clubs to guarantee a better structure in the future. At Maccabi Paris, everything is already thought out: “ We will either open slots or refuse people, we must not question the necessary quality education. We will have to adapt and it will roll. We will train other teachers. »
” We will put more MMA because it’s the future, people always check the MMA box when registering “, recognizes Franck Attia before picking up his phone. All eyes will therefore be on the Accor Hotel Arena in Bercy this Saturday to witness a turning point for French MMA. The first event of a long series? ” They will come back for sure, the tickets sold out very quickly, the French fighters are brave and will put on a great show. »