The cage can't accommodate right-wing hooligans.
Combat sport events align with right-wing ideology, but these extremists also target mixed martial arts (MMA). MMA has experienced rapid growth in Germany, but distances itself from extremism. The royal sport is thriving amid the coronavirus pandemic, with an increasing number of participants. However, left-wing extremists have exploited it as a platform.
Take the "Kampf der Nibelungen" (KdN), a neo-Nazi-affiliated event in Germany. It was once a major event but now banned after its last occurrence in 2021 (though under a different name outside the country). Although they organize smaller "Fight Nights," left-wing extremism is no match for the dominant MMA scene. Major events like those hosted by Oktagon, We Love MMA, and the National Fighting Championship attract thousands of spectators and actively distance themselves from any form of extremist thinking.
MMA promoter Sascha Poppendieck of Magdeburg and Berlin professional fighter Niko Samsonidse shed light on this. They stress that violence is a central aspect of right-wing extremism, making combat sports an attractive target for recruitment. Additionally, extremists earn income through practicing these sports.
Awareness surrounding the subject has evolved over the years, primarily due to media attention on the sport. Samsonidse points out that promoters are now extra vigilant. "Five or six years ago, there was little awareness of this topic because the sport wasn't as popular. But now, more attention is paid to this, not just for self-interest or image reasons, but also because the sport has gained enormous popularity," he explains.
Samsonidse, who trains at Spitfire Gym in Berlin, has not encountered any such extremist incidents in his circles. "Now, awareness of these issues is higher, and positioning yourself against all forms of extremism is a prerequisite," he adds.
Meanwhile, in the left-wing spectrum, Antifa groups were initially involved in self-defense, but have gradually shifted toward pro-active martial arts, like kickbox training. These events attracted attention from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Free martial arts training sessions were held in southern Germany, aiming to counter the right-wing demonstrators and even police officers. In Hamburg, Antifa full-contact martial arts events were organized and held.
Consequently, Clearing a clear distance from excessive extremism—be it leftist or right-wing—is vital. Sascha Poppendieck, the organizer of The Cage MMA in Magdeburg, confirms this and admits it presents challenges, especially in eastern Germany due to the increased assumption that the right is more active in MMA. As a gym owner and trainer, Poppendieck has been taking steps to steer the sport in the right direction while spreading awareness. Taking a stand against biases takes courage, but the ongoing efforts prove that a neutral event is possible. "The Rostock event was criticized by negative media coverage. Despite this, we conducted The Cage MMA in Rostock, showing that a neutral event can take place in the city, and all the people are just like everyone else. We will re-enact this in November with 3,000 spectators at the Hansemesse," says Poppendieck, emphasizing no extremist should be allowed a platform.
Now, we see a shift in the combat sports scene; no longer are extremists welcome. MMA has become a multi-cultural melting pot, fostering connections between individuals of diverse backgrounds. This diversity serves as a great potential for developing an enriching society.
The organizer's role in preventing extremists from having a platform is described by Poppendieck: "There's a background check on the fighters that goes way beyond their fight record." Additionally, the organizer takes action at another level. While it's impossible to read the minds of the audience, their appearance can be regulated. The MMA event in Magdeburg, slated for the end of April, has approximately 2,000 spectators and is completely sold out, as reported by ntv.de on site. Strict entry controls are enforced to ensure attendees wear neutral clothing. "Anyone wearing forbidden symbols won't be allowed in," says Poppendieck. "We don't want any political symbols or T-shirts with labels."
Poppendieck considers his events a launchpad for young fighters and a trailblazer in the eastern regions, where the sport isn't highly prevalent yet. Consequently, larger organizers are role models, especially when it comes to neutrality. They, too, are steering clear of political affiliation and sometimes even impose stricter regulations. Even football jerseys are prohibited at events to avoid rivalries.
Athletes from the far-right scene are, in theory, forced to conduct cage fights in their own hidden world, away from the public eye. However, this occurs within the shadow of the rapidly growing sport. "A trainer and organizer like Sascha or a fighter like me, who operate in this arena, rarely encounter this, since right-wing extremists usually organize among themselves," says Samsonidse. The fact that people with various migration backgrounds train together is not an exclusive characteristic of this sport, as it doesn't necessarily mean someone with a right-wing mentality would avoid training there. "The likelihood of right-wing activities is essentially negligible. However, one must remain aware of these overlaps."
To a certain extent, every sport carries a political connotation. Therefore, it's crucial to make public statements and create a space where individuals with a right-wing mindset aren't interested in being present, whether it's at a gym or an event, to maintain a credible stance, says the Berliner.
However, it's challenging to gauge whether right-wing extremists practicing martial arts could benefit from the growing popularity of MMA in Germany. "In principle, I would argue: As MMA in Germany expands, it garners more attention, becomes more central in society, and offers less space for extremism – just like in any other mainstream sport."
