Gold medal possible for Philippines in Olympic MMA, says pioneer

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines has yet to come home from the Olympics with a gold medal. 

Despite a razor-close effort from silver medalist weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in 2016, a first place finish has been elusive for our nationals so far.

But for ONE Championship CEO and Olympic MMA pioneer Chatri Sityodtong, that coveted gold may soon be a reality once MMA events make their way to the quadrennial event.

Sityodtong, who is leading the push to bring MMA to the Olympics, has optimistic expectations for Filipino athletes when the time comes.

"The Filipinos are already ranked among the best in the world, Team Lakay has many World Champions," Sityodtong said in a phone interview with Philstar.com.

"These guys are the best of the best in the world already [and] I would love to see them win an Olympic gold medal," the CEO said.

Sityodtong and ONE Championship recently partnered with the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) to spearhead the arrival of MMA in the Olympics.

The ONE executive says the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will be a realistic target for MMA's Olympic debut.