Olympic Wrestling Update: IOC recommends wrestling for inclusion in 2020 Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board voted earlier this year to have amateur wrestling cut from future games in an effort to overhaul the entire program, focusing on "popularity, finances, tickets sold and governance."

Then came the shit-storm.

The mixed martial arts (MMA) community, in particular, was extremely vocal about the board's decision, since a good number of today's top fighters owe their success to amateur wrestling, including Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren, among others.

Chael Sonnen said this is what happens when you let "knuckleheads" like FILA (Federation Internationale des Luttes Associees) ruin the sport.

Apparently the men (and women) behind the scenes have heard your cries, which include those from supporters like UFC President Dana White, and have selected wrestling, baseball, softball, and squash to be considered for inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games.

From Olympic.org:

"The Executive Board received excellent presentations today from eight International Federations. It was never going to be an easy decision but I feel my colleagues on the Board made a good decision in selecting baseball/softball, squash and wrestling to be put forward in Buenos Aires. I wish the three shortlisted sports the best of luck in the run-up to the vote in September and would like to thank the other sports for their hard work and dedication."

Don't celebrate just yet.

The final vote doesn't take place until September, so while it's encouraging to see wrestling on the docket, which I think most of us will agree is a place it should have never been in the first place, we still have a few more months before we can pop the bubbly.

Until then, keep fighting the good fight.

Like these folks.