FIGHTIN' WORDS: Local group promoting Olympic-style events
Mixed martial arts is growing globally at a rapid pace.
This year, the UFC has had events in Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, England, and next week the Octagon travels to Germany.
With international popularity and participation increasing, a future spot for MMA in the Olympics would seem possible -- especially with wrestling, judo, tae kwon do and boxing already in the Games. MMA simply combines those disciplines in one sport.
The Schaumburg-based MMA Sport Federation seeks to foster competition by holding international amateur events in a team format, much like the Olympics.
''There's so much growth worldwide, we saw the potential to put a U.S. team together to compete internationally,'' said Rob Zbilski, president of the MMA Sport Federation.
