Following a delay to decide which sporting federation would oversee the reintroduction of the sport, fans, fighters, pundits and organizers have welcomed the announcement of the French Boxing Federation as the guardians of the newly-legalized sport in France.

The news is a significant step toward what promises to be an explosion in MMA events and participation across France, moving from underground interest to mainstream discipline and entertainment in the same way it has across many other countries in recent years.

Legal MMA fights are expected to be held there this year, marking a return to formal action for the first time since the French Ministry of Sport banned ground strikes three-and-a-quarter years ago as part of a series of stipulations including the prohibition of cage fights.

Kickboxing, karate, and wrestling had reportedly been among the federations bidding to take MMA under their wing, as well as judo – led by authorities that had been accused by French former BAMMA champion Tom Duquesnoy of playing a key role in MMA being banned.

According to the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, boxing leaders will “supervise the first phase” of the development of the sport in France, with the Ministry of Sport likely to take a view next year on whether to create an independent MMA federation.