Dana White likes the idea of MMA in Olympics but won't personally pursue it

When the 2008 Beijnig games were in full swing MMA fans were contemplating what Olympic inclusion would mean for the sport. With the Vancouver games being in full swing the question reappeared as an Australian reporter asked Dana White what he thought about the potential of MMA as an Olympic sport.

White was enthusiastic to say the least:

''It would be a huge benefit to us if mixed martial arts became an Olympic sport. It would create instant awareness around the world, and it would be huge,'' White told the Herald.

''I would support it 100 per cent. I personally am not out there trying to get mixed martial arts as an Olympic sport - I got enough to do, somebody else can figure that out - but if it popped and they said, 'Yes, we're thinking about it,' I would go guns ablazing and try to make it happen. It would change the game forever.''

Inclusion within the Olympic games spells guaranteed creditability. While rules would have to be modified to fit into two weeks of competition the gain of legitimacy cannot be ignored. In that regard it is easy to understand why Dana would voice his support (but would he let his fighters leave in the event it actually happened?). 

However, being recognized by the IOC is no easy task. The London 2012 games will be the first time women can compete in boxing and that had some fallout so you can imagine what would happen if MMA was ever going to be considered by the IOC.

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