The Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association (IMMAA) has defended itself against strong criticism from the Irish Martial Arts Commission, saying it runs its events to a higher medical standard than most other Irish sports.

Documents obtained by RTÉ show that the commission does not want to see MMA recognised in Ireland in its current form and would prefer the sport to be banned.

However, the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association said it has instated medical standards at events that exceed those in place at most other Irish sporting events.

The association is also continuing to liaise with Sport Ireland, the national agency for sport, as part of a formal recognition process for the sport.

The documents obtained by RTÉ show that earlier this year Irish Martial Arts Commission president Brendan Dowling wrote to the International Olympic Committee, saying: “People talked about a ban driving MMA underground. There are some things that belong underground.

“Dog fighting remains underground because it is fundamentally wrong – it is not a sport nor should it be encouraged to regulate itself into one just because some people enjoy the spectacle. MMA as it is currently being fought is not a sport.”

One of the main issues Mr Dowling had with MMA is the way fighters are permitted to punch their opponent multiple times in the head while the opponent is grounded before the fight is ended.

“It will not drop the elements necessary to bring it closer to being a sport because that is their core – that is what the consumers of MMA want to see – people not just beaten but people physically damaged,” he added.

Recongition

In response, the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association said it is working towards recognition as the governing body for MMA in the Republic.

“In the past year we have altered the rules for amateur competitors, and sent a representative team of 13 athletes to the Amateur World Championships in Las Vegas. This team came home having topped the medal count, with six Irish athletes on the podium, including one gold.

“Guided by medical professionals, we have voluntarily instated medical standards at events that exceed those in place for the vast majority of sporting events in Ireland.

“We are committed to furthering that good work through official recognition, and to follow the process that Sport Ireland have laid out for us as the representative body for MMA in Ireland.”

Sport Ireland opened discussion with the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association in May on the national governing bodies recognition process. The recognition criteria establish minimum requirements for all organisations wishing to apply for Irish Sports Council financial support.

Sport Ireland said the discussions are at an early stage but they are continuing to meet the IMMAA.

“We have met the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association. There is a process and we’ve been liaising with them in regard to that process and we’ve offered them any assistance that they might need in the setting up of their organisation – they’re quite early in the process so we’ve had discussion with them about that,” a spokesman said.