How MMA has change into a social phenomenon in France | EUROtoday

It is initially the story of a sixteen -year -old combat, a heritage that I need to depart to my kids. But past my private historical past, it’s a message of resilience. I’ve by no means been alone: ​​this e book can also be that of all those that have gained this combat with me. I consider Rémi Salvador, my father, and all of the lecturers and fighters who, immediately, can reside from this self-discipline due to this collective work.

How do you clarify the keenness of younger folks for MMA?

It is a sport in step with its time, the place all the pieces goes quick and the place you need all the pieces, immediately. MMA is a form of salad composed: we combine the disciplines, we’ve got enjoyable from the primary course. There can also be the picture – it’s the final, stylish, spectacular fight sport. Teens love this “waouh” aspect, the concept of ​​making an attempt all the pieces with out being restricted, with a dimension of self-defense that speaks quite a bit immediately.

Is MMA accessible to everybody?

To observe, the MMA stays accessible: golf equipment supply costs similar to these of different fight sports activities. It is very the key occasions that stay costly, which may decelerate sure spectators. But in theaters, we meet practitioners from all circles. It is a unifying sport, open to everybody.

Are ladies increasingly current in MMA?

Yes, their quantity will increase. Women are fighters, usually extra fierce than males. They stay within the minority, however it is vitally essential to schooling points. Strong signal: MMA is the one contact sport the place they’re paid equally with males. And that isn’t trivial.Read too Benoît Saint Denis: the crucified of sellingHow did you alter the picture of MMA within the media?

It was needed to interrupt the picture of a brutal sport reserved for UFC or competitors. MMA is initially an academic sport, open to everybody. I knew that the picture combat was gained the day TF1 broadcast, at 8 p.m., a report displaying a priest and a sixty-something dentist training MMA for his or her well-being. That night, I stated to myself: that is it, the loop is full

Since legalization, has the take a look at the MMA modified?

Yes, no doubt. Formerly, on the easy view of a cage, the reactions have been epidermal: “Oh my God!” ». Today, it has change into commonplace. The public received used to, he understood what MMA actually is. It stays a contact sport, with its KOs and concussions, as in all excessive -level disciplines. But on an academic degree, the observe is supervised and really safe. The well-liked craze proves it: now, stars and footballers flock to occasions, which have change into “the place to be”. Being seen on the sting of the cage is sort of a social marker. Proof that the MMA has certainly modified picture and has settled in customs.

What message do you need to transmit by means of your journey and this e book?

This e book is just not solely the historical past of MMA in France, it’s that of a private combat, of a resilience trajectory. It is addressed to all those that combat, who doubt. Even on the backside, you need to consider that it’s doable. Don’t let anybody let you know that you simply will not get there. Anything can occur, offered you consider it.

To uncover



The kangaroo of the day

Outside the cage, Bertrand Amoussou, Kokoro, 384 p., € 29, May 2025.