MMA receives official government recognition in Russia, under Fedor

In a momentous event for MMA in Russia, the Ministry of Sport recently recognized MMA as an official sport. Fedor Emelianenko has been named to run it.

Going forward there will be government support for amateur development, and perhaps an entire system for creating top fighters.

Despite the success of many Russia fighters, most notably Fedor Emelianenko, the development of MMA in Russia has been entirely on an ad hoc basis.

If Russia employs the same resources and techniques to MMA that it does to Judo and wrestling there will be major changes in the international composition at the top of MMA. Wrestling is the best base for MMA, and Russia produces the best wrestlers on earth, not to mention world-class Judoka and boxers.

The first major step of the new organization will be holding the Amateur Championship of Russia. Soldiers of the 56 regions, many of which conducted internal qualifiers from September 28-30.

Read entire article… (original Portuguese)