Indonesian Cleric Calls UFC ‘Haram,’ Urges Ban on U.S. Mixed Martial Arts Show

In a recent declaration, a prominent Indonesian cleric has condemned the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), labeling the popular U.S. mixed martial arts competition as “haram” or forbidden under Islamic law. This announcement has sparked controversy across the country, leading to calls for an outright ban on the sport’s broadcasts in Indonesia.

UFC and Its Global Popularity

The UFC is one of the most well-known mixed martial arts (MMA) organizations in the world, attracting millions of viewers through its intense and often violent combat sports events. Fighters in the UFC use a combination of disciplines like boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai, creating an aggressive and physically demanding spectacle.

Over the years, the UFC has garnered a massive following globally, including in Indonesia, where martial arts have a deep cultural significance. However, some segments of Indonesian society, particularly conservative religious figures, have expressed concerns about the violent nature of the sport and its potential impact on Islamic values.

Why UFC Was Declared Haram

The cleric’s decision to declare UFC haram is based on a few key points:

1. Excessive Violence: Islam places high importance on preventing harm and promoting peace. The cleric argues that the UFC promotes unnecessary violence and aggression, which goes against Islamic teachings. The brutal nature of the fights, where contestants aim to physically overpower and sometimes injure their opponents, is seen as incompatible with these values.
2. Moral and Ethical Concerns: In addition to the violence, the cleric raised moral concerns about the culture surrounding the UFC. This includes the often provocative advertising, the behavior of some fighters, and the general environment of the sport, which is seen as glorifying aggression rather than discipline and respect.
3. Influence on Youth: Indonesia has a large Muslim population, with many young people who look up to athletes and celebrities as role models. The cleric expressed fears that UFC fights could negatively influence young Muslims, encouraging them to engage in violent behavior or adopt values that contradict Islamic teachings.

Calls for a Ban

Following the declaration, the cleric has called on the Indonesian government and media regulators to ban the broadcast of UFC events within the country. He also urged parents and educators to discourage young people from following or participating in MMA. So far, there has been no official response from the government, but the debate has ignited a conversation about balancing religious values with the growing popularity of global sports entertainment.

Public Reaction

Public opinion on the matter is divided. Many conservative Muslims in Indonesia support the cleric’s stance, agreeing that the UFC promotes a culture of violence and immorality that should not be part of Muslim-majority countries. However, UFC fans, including those who practice martial arts, argue that the sport fosters discipline, respect, and athleticism, and banning it would be an overreach.

The declaration that the UFC is haram has added a new layer of complexity to the conversation about sports and religious values in Indonesia. As the UFC continues to gain popularity worldwide, the question of whether such sports align with cultural and religious norms will likely continue to spark debate in Muslim-majority countries.