MMA legal in which states now? [Archive]

GeneChing

01-28-2008, 11:27 AM

So this article gave me an excuse to ttt this thread. I'm still curious. Now I'm also curious to know what the legal status of amateur MMA fights is in other states too.

Anyone?

Amateur mixed martial arts shows illegal in state (http://www.montereyherald.com/sports/ci_8087102?nclick_check=1)
By DENNIS TAYLOR
Herald Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 01/26/2008 10:03:39 AM PST

Salinas promoter Michael MacNeill said Friday that today's amateur mixed martial arts show at Palma High was shut down in a 11th-hour ruling from California State Athletic Commission chief Armando Garcia, who told him amateur MMA shows are illegal in California.

The ruling, he said, came as a complete surprise particularly since he has staged previous amateur MMA shows in California with the blessing of the commission — and also because he had received a green light for this show from another commission official.

"We had received full approval from (commissioner) Frank Munoz, who was familiar with the other shows I've done," MacNeill said. "Frank said we had done a great job in our other shows, followed all the rules, and he sanctioned us for this one.

"But Armando Garcia called me Thursday, said the show was illegal, and told me he was pulling the plug. This was going to be a very safe event, with full headgear and protective equipment, no knees or kicks to the head ... we were taking every precaution. I respect Armando — he's just doing his job — but I wish he hadn't waited until two days before my show to make his ruling."

The event, more than two months in the planning, would have featured about a dozen MMA bouts, featuring fighters from 18-35 years old representing most of the martial arts academies from Central California, the Bay Area and as far away as Denver.

MacNeill said 1,400 people had purchased advance tickets, and he had invested more than $6,000 in the promotion that cannot be recovered.

"People who bought tickets can get a full refund at the place of purchase," said MacNeill, who plans to obtain a license to promote professional shows in the coming months. "We're honest people and they're all going to get their money back. We tried very hard to make this happen, and I want people to understand that (the cancellation) wasn't my fault."

· MMA promoter Michael MacNeill, IBF world cruiserweight champion Steve "USS" Cunningham, and Salinas junior welterweight contender Jesus "Chuy" Rodriguez will be this week's guests on The Ringside Boxing Show, which airs from 9-10 a.m. every Sunday on KNRY 1240-AM and www.knry.com. Listeners may join the conversation by calling 373-1234 or 1-800-887-3414.

The show is co-hosted by Dave Marzetti and Herald boxing columnist Dennis Taylor.

1bad65

01-28-2008, 01:52 PM

Amateur MMA is legal in Texas.

GeneChing

01-28-2008, 04:41 PM

Ain't drivin' w/an open container of beer and citizen's packing pistols legal in Texas too? :rolleyes:

1bad65

01-28-2008, 07:56 PM

Open containers are illegal. You can carry concealed handguns here, but only legally with a CCW permit.

brothernumber9

01-29-2008, 07:17 AM

Is it just amateur events that are illegal in California? Because I could have sworn that Showtime Elite XC has had atleast a couple Strikeforce events in San Jose, and isn't that where they are trying to hold the Cung Le, Frank Shamrock fight?

P.S. MMA events are legal in Maryland too.

lkfmdc

01-29-2008, 07:42 AM

amateur vs pro

In a lot of states, the original legislations banned amateur MMA. that was because people were promoting amateur MMA the same as professional, minus the pay, the medical requirments and the safety features (medical staff on site, etc). Obviously, just calling it "amateur" but it being the same as pro wasn't going to fly

The USKBA introduced a set of amateur MMA rules first in NJ. They were patterned after the amateur Shooto rules from Japan. They were sold like boxing, ie amateur boxing has headgear and different rules for fighter safety. It won acceptance in NJ (where amateur had been illegal) and then won acceptance in a great number of states and in several tribal casinos. I think their version of amateur MMA will be the future... a way to build up fighters who can THEN go pro

GeneChing

01-31-2008, 11:06 AM

... all I can say is bless the Native Americans for their stalwart support of MMA on their sovereign lands

...err... I mean Native Canadians.

Illegal fight booked for reserve; Organizer holding Mixed Martial Arts event on Six Nations to get around ban (http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=879901)
Posted By Susan Gamble
Posted 1 day ago

A controversial fighting event is planned for Six Nations next month despite being declared illegal in Ontario.

A Mixed Martial Arts championship - a full-contact sport that uses fighting techniques from boxing, wrestling, karate and kickboxing - will be held at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena on Second Line and Cayuga roads.

When the organizers held a similar event in November, more than 2,000 people showed up.

The Feb. 9 event will be much bigger, promises organizer Bill Monture.

hopes for sellout

"This time we'll probably sell out, which would be more than 5,000 people," says Monture. He added that people were leery to come out in November because the fights are banned in Ontario.

Now, he says, the VIP tables are almost sold out and the arena floor seating isn't far behind.

Monture, who has been promoting the sport for the last six months, portrays the event as a way of rebuilding community relationships that have been frayed by land claims issues and the events in Caledonia over the last two years.

Monture, his son, and a buddy, James Procyk of Hamilton, hatched the idea at a backyard barbecue of running a fight on reserve property to circumvent the Ontario ban.

"This is sovereign land," he explains.

Monture established the Grand River Athletics Commission and the Grand River Athletics Corp. The corporation organizes the event and the commission sanctions and oversees it.

Monture says the standards he's meeting are the same or higher than licensed events in the U.S. or in Quebec, where the fights are legal.

Fighters must have clean blood tests, for example, showing they don't have HIV or hepatitis C.

"Safety is the No. 1 factor," says Monture.

He went to the elected band council to ask for its blessing on the event but was turned down. Councillors wanted more information, uncertain whether they are willing to go to bat for the event if police should move against it. Many councillors want the community to make the final decision about whether extreme fighting will be sanctioned on the reserve.

band council has no authority

But Monture plans to go ahead with or without the council's endorsement.

"Who is band council? Just part of the federal government. Nobody has authority over us."

The 20 or so fighters who will be flown in for the Feb. 9 event will compete for a trophy and an undisclosed prize purse.

More than just a fight, the evening features a meal for those with tickets for the VIP tables, fights and sports projected on the giant high definition TV screens and sports celebrities from the area.

Monture says the event reaches out to the disadvantaged in the community and he has made donations to groups in need.

"It's not about the money but about what you can do with the money." Only one fighter from the reserve is on next month's card. Dwight Garlow has been training to bone up on the various techniques used in the sport.

Monture says that he and his group are now investigating taking the show on the road to other reserves. He is especially interested in hosting something at Casino Rama where they could fit 6,000 people into the venue.

Yao Sing

01-31-2008, 07:32 PM

AFAIK amatuer MMA is illegal in Florida.

the Preacher

02-02-2008, 06:32 AM

Do you "Know Your States. NEW LAWS?:confused:
TEXAS:D
Combative Sports Occupations Code (http://www.license.state.tx.us/sports/sportslaw090107.pdf)

.............................................:D
Am
Sec. 2052.117. Amateur Combative Sports Association Registration Requirements.
(a) An applicant for registration as an amateur combative sports association must apply on a form acceptable to
the executive director.
(b) An application must be accompanied by:
(1) a registration fee in the amount set by the commission;
(2) proof of compliance with requirements established by rule for:
(A) insurance; and
(B) surety bonds, if any;
(3) a copy of the rules of the association establishing standards of conduct for contestants and
officials; and
(4) proof that the association is recognized or organized as a nonprofit organization under the laws of
this state or has such status under federal law.
(c) Rules of the association must be approved by the department.

------------------------------------
PRO
SUBCHAPTER C. LICENSING, REGISTRATION, AND PERMITS
Sec. 2052.101. Promoter License.
A person may not act as a promoter unless the person holds the appropriate license issued under this chapter.
Sec. 2052.102. Promoter License Application Requirements.
(a) An applicant for a promoter's license under this chapter must apply on a form furnished by the executive
director.
(b) An application must be accompanied by:
(1) a license fee in an amount set by the commission; and
(2) a surety bond:
(A) subject to approval by the executive director; and
(B) conditioned on the applicant's payment of the tax imposed under Section 2052.151.
(c) The executive director shall establish the amount of the surety bond required under Subsection (b). The
bond amount may not be less than $300.
Sec. 2052.107. Other Combative Sports Licenses.
Unless a person holds a license or registration issued under this chapter, the person may not act as a combative
sports:
(1) professional contestant;
(2) manager of a professional contestant;
(3) referee;
(4) judge;
(5) second;
(6) timekeeper;
(7) matchmaker;
(8) ringside physician; or
(9) event coordinator.
Sec. 2052.108. Application Requirements For Other Licenses.
(a) An application for a license under Section 2052.107 must be made on a form furnished by the executive
director.
(b) An application must be accompanied by the required license fee.
Sec. 2052.109. Surety Bond.
(a) A surety bond required under this subchapter must:
(1) be issued by a company authorized to conduct business in this state;
(2) comply with the applicable requirements of the Insurance Code;
(3) be payable to the state for use by the state or a political subdivision that establishes that the boxing
or wrestling promoter is liable to it for damages, penalties, taxes, or other expenses resulting from
promotional activities conducted in this state; and
(4) be open to more than one claim, except that the claims may not exceed the face value of the bond.
(b) A person required to file a surety bond under this subchapter shall file a new bond annually.
(c) A company that issues a bond shall notify the department in writing of the cancellation of the bond not later
than the 30th day before the date on which the bond is canceled.

:D

Dragonzbane76

02-02-2008, 09:35 AM

don't know whole list i know of certain states though....

Ohio
Virginia
And I think PA just legalized or is not sure.

the Preacher

02-02-2008, 12:02 PM

.............................................:D
Am
Sec. 2052.117. Amateur Combative Sports Association Registration Requirements.
(a) An applicant for registration as an amateur combative sports association must apply on a form acceptable to
the executive director.
(b) An application must be accompanied by:
(1) a registration fee in the amount set by the commission;
(2) proof of compliance with requirements established by rule for:
(A) insurance; and
(B) surety bonds, if any;
(3) a copy of the rules of the association establishing standards of conduct for contestants and
officials; and
(4) proof that the association is recognized or organized as a nonprofit organization under the laws of
this state or has such status under federal law.
(c) Rules of the association must be approved by the department.

------------------------------------
PRO
SUBCHAPTER C. LICENSING, REGISTRATION, AND PERMITS
Sec. 2052.101. Promoter License.
A person may not act as a promoter unless the person holds the appropriate license issued under this chapter.
Sec. 2052.102. Promoter License Application Requirements.
(a) An applicant for a promoter's license under this chapter must apply on a form furnished by the executive
director.
(b) An application must be accompanied by:
(1) a license fee in an amount set by the commission; and
(2) a surety bond:
(A) subject to approval by the executive director; and
(B) conditioned on the applicant's payment of the tax imposed under Section 2052.151.
(c) The executive director shall establish the amount of the surety bond required under Subsection (b). The
bond amount may not be less than $300.
Sec. 2052.107. Other Combative Sports Licenses.
Unless a person holds a license or registration issued under this chapter, the person may not act as a combative
sports:
(1) professional contestant;
(2) manager of a professional contestant;
(3) referee;
(4) judge;
(5) second;
(6) timekeeper;
(7) matchmaker;
(8) ringside physician; or
(9) event coordinator.
Sec. 2052.108. Application Requirements For Other Licenses.
(a) An application for a license under Section 2052.107 must be made on a form furnished by the executive
director.
(b) An application must be accompanied by the required license fee.
Sec. 2052.109. Surety Bond.
(a) A surety bond required under this subchapter must:
(1) be issued by a company authorized to conduct business in this state;
(2) comply with the applicable requirements of the Insurance Code;
(3) be payable to the state for use by the state or a political subdivision that establishes that the boxing
or wrestling promoter is liable to it for damages, penalties, taxes, or other expenses resulting from
promotional activities conducted in this state; and
(4) be open to more than one claim, except that the claims may not exceed the face value of the bond.
(b) A person required to file a surety bond under this subchapter shall file a new bond annually.
(c) A company that issues a bond shall notify the department in writing of the cancellation of the bond not later
than the 30th day before the date on which the bond is canceled.

:D

most states will be following the same rules as recently enacted in Texas
:D

Seppukku

02-03-2008, 07:05 AM

On illegal immigration? I agree. Why should illegal immigrants be allowed to fight when they don't have insurance, and they don't pay taxes or cable bills, and don't support the UFC or MMA venues with their taxes--why should they be allowed to fight and get the card over some American, born and raised, who pays his taxes, etc?

It's time to start cracking down on all the Brazilians in MMA....let them fight in their own Vale Tudo kumites. They're opening the gate for the Koreans.

Sure, you're laughing now. But just wait until they tornado-kick their way across the border and into your living room, and then butterfly-twist BJ Penn for a UFC Championship victory.

Then let's see who's laughing.

GeneChing

02-06-2008, 10:41 AM

See post 4 (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showpost.php?p=837763&postcount=4) above.

Ontario commissioner says mixed martial arts is illegal under Criminal Code (http://www.680news.com/news/national/article.jsp?content=n0204140A)
February 4, 2008 - 18:59
By: Neil Davidson, THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO - While the UFC trumpets its first show in Canada, predicting a sellout at Montreal's Bell Centre for its April 19 card, the door to mixed martial arts in Ontario remains closed.

"It (staging a mixed martial arts show) is a Criminal Code offence," Ken Hayashi, chairman of the Ontario Athletic Commission, said in a recent interview with The Canadian Press.

Hayashi refers to Section 83.1 of the Criminal Code which says anyone who "engages as a principal in a prize fight," encourages, promotes or is present at a prize fight as an aid, second, surgeon, umpire, backer or reporter is guilty of an offence - unless the "boxing contest" is "held with the permission or under the authority of an athletic board or commission or similar body established by or under the authority of the legislature of a province for the control of sport within the province."

The section also allows "a boxing contest between amateur sportsmen, where the contestants wear boxing gloves of not less than one hundred and forty grams each in mass."

"A mixed martial event is not a boxing contest," Hayashi said.

Other jurisdictions disagree. Quebec and Alberta hold MMA cards regularly. Halifax, Winnipeg and Prince George, B.C., have also hosted events.

Vancouver City Council, however, voted last September to stop holding MMA events.

Keith Crawford, president of the Hardcore Championship Fighting circuit, shakes his head at the discrepancies between jurisdictions.

"It's the same Criminal Code from coast to coast, obviously," he said. "Section 83 applies the same in Calgary and Edmonton as it does in Ontario.

"I believe it's just the choice of the individual jurisdictions as far as the boxing and wrestling commissions that are approved by local government choose not to approve the sport for whatever reason. And without being really negative on it, I believe the reasons are personal. To not have this sport showcased in the largest province and, quite frankly too, the largest audience participation province in terms of national television is ridiculous."

Crawford promoted a show Saturday in Calgary, with his next slated for March in Gatineau, Que. Maximum Fighting Championship, based out of Edmonton, has a show planned for Feb. 22 in Edmonton while TKO has an event slated for Feb. 28 in Montreal.

"I can't speak for other provinces," added Hayashi. "If they want to regulate it, that's up to them . . . but the province (Ontario) isn't going to put regulations in something that will be deemed under the Criminal Code as illegal. Would we want to take on that liability and responsibility?"

Crawford says Ontario could sanction MMA if it came up with proper practices for promoters to follow - such as liability insurance and medicals - and went through the proper paperwork. He estimates it could be done in a matter of weeks.

And despite the Criminal Code provision, Crawford says he is doing nothing wrong in promoting MMA shows.

"Absolutely not. Because in Calgary, for instance, and in Edmonton and in Enoch, Alberta, and in many jurisdictions across Canada, the local governing bodies have chosen to approve a set of rules to allow mixed martial arts. So it's just a choice, again, that the Ontario Commission is making. Ken Hayashi, if asked, will say it's out of his hands. He's absolutely wrong on that point."

But Hayashi says he's not the bad guy here.

"I don't want people shooting the messenger here. I said if they had regulations in place, I would regulate it. I have a martial arts background," he explained, adding he has studied martial arts himself for more than 45 years and even taught karate.

Marc Ratner, who spent more than 20 years with the Nevada State Athletic Commission including 13 as executive director, is now the UFC's pointman for expansion. MMA is now sanctioned in 32 U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia and Ratner is working on the rest.

Arkansas, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Virginia all approved MMA in 2007, according to the UFC.

New York is high on the "to do list."

"We're coming everywhere," is one of UFC president Dana White's favourite expressions.

Ratner, who was slated to fly to Tennessee on Tuesday to visit its legislature, said he talked to Hayashi last week and has invited him to see the Montreal show,

"I've known Ken for many years and I respect him very much," the UFC vice-president said Monday from Las Vegas.

"Whatever we have to do to change the law, we will help him in whatever ways we can," he added.

Opening up the sport south of the border depends on the jurisdiction. In Nevada, for example, all that was needed was to have the state athletic commission approve the sport. In other states, including New York, legislative action is required.

The sports is still fighting its 'back-in-the-day' Toughman image of no rules and no holds barred.

"It's about education, is really what it is," Ratner said.

Athletic commissions can make money off the success of the sport. In Nevada, for example, the athletic commission takes four per cent of the gate, which was $2.4 million US last Saturday at UFC 81 in Las Vegas. The commission also made US$50,000 TV rights tax.

"For some of these states, it might be their whole budget," Ratner said of the athletic commission's take.

With Montreal set for April 19, Ratner is eyeing other Canadian venues despite the local commission's objections.

"I certainly would love for us to go to Toronto. The city of Edmonton, their arena as well as their commission, has been talking to us for over a year also."

sanjuro_ronin

02-06-2008, 11:40 AM

Its always been that way in Ontario, I had to go to Montreal to compete in Kyokushin and Vale Tudo matches and even the VT were on Indian Reservations.
Even MT is over regulated here (Ontario), with excessive padding and such 9 unless this has changed recently).
This regulation was used over and over to "cripple" full contact MA (except for TKD) in the past and will be used over and over again until the right "pockets are lined"...

Politicians...

GeneChing

02-07-2008, 11:02 AM

...send Maryland on over.

Lawmaker proposes bill to sanction MMA in Md. (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/custom/mma/bal-mma0206,0,7130730.story)
The Associated Press
3:45 PM EST, February 6, 2008

ANNAPOLIS - Mixed martial arts competitions such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship are illegal in Maryland -- but one state lawmaker wants to change that.

Democratic Delegate Kirill Reznik of Montgomery County has proposed a bill allowing the mixed martial arts contests. He says the law change would allow Maryland to play host to nationally known events. Reznik has studied a version of a martial art called Chinese Kempo for more than 20 years.

Reznik says all Maryland's neighboring states except West Virginia allow the fights. Lawmakers in Michigan signed off on a similar bill about mixed martial arts last year.

Legalizing Mixed Martial Arts Competitions (http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=90810c56-2f58-4e40-b4f4-f7aa555d15e6)
Contributor: Dave McHugh
Last Update: 2/06 4:09 pm

ANNAPOLIS - Competitions and events like the Ultimate Fighting Championship are illegal in the state of Maryland, but one state lawmaker wants to change that.

Democratic Delegate Kirill Reznick of Montgomery County has proposed a bill which would allow mixed martial arts competitions in the state. Reznick says a change in the law would allow Maryland to host nationally known events - such as the Ultimate Fighting Championships. Reznick has studied Chinese Kempo, a version of a martial art, for more than 20 years.

Reznick says all of the states surrounding Maryland, except for West Virginia, allow the fights. And lawmakers in Michigan signed off on a similar bill last year.

Reznick's bill would only allow a person to participate in a mixed martial arts competition if the State Athletic Commission licenses that person. The licensee would also have to be examined by a specified physician under specific circumstances and the person would have to provide documented evidence of certain medical tests.

The bill is sponsored by Reznick and 18 other state lawmakers.

lkfmdc

02-07-2008, 12:51 PM

For a brief moment, let me be serious, no, really ;)

MMA is now MONEY. Any smart state can see the dollar signs of sanctioning and collecting fees from legalizing MMA. NY is a rare exception, because of two distinct rock heads who are also deeply affiliated with BOXING (surprise! surprise!)

But it is just a matter of time

brothernumber9

02-07-2008, 12:55 PM

Great find Gene,

I didn't even know that was going on in my own state, although I live in Montgomery County's neighbor PG (Plead Guilty) county. I'll be sure to add my support and vote on this bill especially in regards to state legislature where I have a few friends.

GeneChing

02-07-2008, 03:11 PM

GeneChing

02-11-2008, 01:05 PM

I was emailed privately with this link. It's exactly what I was looking for initially here. I'm not sure how often it's updated, but seems quite current at this posting.
In What USA States Are Kickboxing and or MMA Legal? (http://www.ikfkickboxing.com/USAStates.htm)

MasterKiller

02-11-2008, 01:07 PM

It's going to be something to consider if McCain becomes the Republican candidate. We all know how he championed the anti-MMA movement. Given the war, the economy, the environment and all the other critical issues facing our next president, MMA seems minor. Nevertheless, it's something to consider.

You calling McCain a rock head? :p

Some people have suggested McCain came down hard on the UFC because he receives a lot of donation money from Budweiser, who just happens to sponsor a lot of boxing events.

MasterKiller

02-11-2008, 01:09 PM

lkfmdc

02-11-2008, 02:37 PM

You calling McCain a rock head? :p

I haven't heard McCain talk about MMA in a long time, and if I remember correctly, that was before both NJ and NV began to sanction it and the format was changed significantly....

When it was chased out of NY, it was an easy target (very few rules, was being sold as violent, was backed by po-rn money!)

In NY we have our own rock heads, we don't need McCain! ;)

1bad65

02-11-2008, 02:54 PM

Some people have suggested McCain came down hard on the UFC because he receives a lot of donation money from Budweiser, who just happens to sponsor a lot of boxing events.

Actually McCain's wife (who he traded in his first wife for after she was crippled), is the chairwoman of Hensley and CO, an Anheiser-Busch distibutor.

And yes, Budweiser is an Anheiser-Busch company that does sponsor alot of boxing events.

Shaolinlueb

02-14-2008, 01:49 PM

the UFC should just sue ontario, it seems that is all they are good for now.

GeneChing

02-25-2008, 03:30 PM

I was going to post this on our illegal fight clubs thread (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48746), but I forgot it got closed. :( I almost reopened it, but then thought it better to let sleeping dogs lie.

Illegal Fights Staged, Posted On Internet (http://www.wsmv.com/news/15336481/detail.html)
Some Say Staging Fights Becoming Disturbing Trend
Reported by Cara Kumari
POSTED: 6:03 pm CST February 18, 2008

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- A new trend that's illegal and dangerous is being recorded and circulated on the Internet.

Home video of what some said is a troubling trend in Clarksville shows local teens meeting in back yards, beating each other up and calling it a sport.

“I think the kids are dumb. I look at them and think, ‘What are you doing?’" said Ron Dayley.

Dayley owns a mixed martial arts studio in Clarksville and said the amateur fights really worry him.

“I’m worried that some kids are going to put on a little show fight and get hurt,” he said.

When fighters train in Dayley’s facility, they are surrounded by padded walls, wear headgear and are often trained by professionals.

But the backyard brawls are taking place on the grass. The participants are wearing thin gloves, no headgear and the referees are other teenagers.

In Tennessee, fighters can practice mixed martial arts -- a combination of wrestling, jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai -- but it's illegal to hold any formal competitions in the state.

Lawmakers are looking to change that, and Dayley said he supports the change.

“It's a great sport. It's legal just about everywhere else,” he said.

But he said the fake fights are tarnishing the entire sport's image. He said he hopes that if the Legislature legalizes organized mixed martial arts fights, it will knock out many of the amateur contests.

“If it's legalized, you'll get the kids off the street fighting more. It's an outlet,” he said.

The legislation dealing with mixed martial arts would allow organized matches to be held in the state.

Supporters said the fights could bring in a lot of money to Tennessee and also more regulations. They also said they worry that if someone gets hurt in one of the backyard brawls, it could hurt the bill's chances of passing.

Dayley said if he knows someone in his gym who is participating in the fake fights, he kicks them out. He said he's asked other gym owners in the area to do the same.

monji112000

02-25-2008, 08:01 PM

I was going to post this on our illegal fight clubs thread (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48746), but I forgot it got closed. :( I almost reopened it, but then thought it better to let sleeping dogs lie.

If anything stuff like this should wake people up, let people know the need for more amature mma. People are very interested in the sport, why not make a amature league? I love the IFL so something like that would work great.

GeneChing

02-27-2008, 03:28 PM

...send MD on over.

MMA sanctioning proposal set to move forward in Md. Senate (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/custom/mma/bal-sp.mmabill27feb27,0,1822639.story)
By Childs Walker | Sun Reporter
February 27, 2008

Efforts to get mixed martial arts sanctioned in Maryland appear on track after a senate committee showed no signs of opposition yesterday to a bill that would give the state athletic commission regulatory power over the sport.

The committee on education, health and environmental affairs likely will decide by Friday whether to forward the bill to a vote by the entire state senate, said sponsor Joan Carter Conway, a Baltimore Democrat.

But no one spoke against the legislation at yesterday's hearing in Annapolis. Senators posed only a few questions about safety regulations.

Conway said Maryland is losing out because the sport is sanctioned in Washington and in such nearby states as Virginia, Delaware and New Jersey.

"We're sitting in the middle of our region, where all of our dollars are going elsewhere," she said.

She echoed John Rallo, a former fighter who co-owns the Ground Control gym in Canton and has spurred the sanctioning effort. Rallo said he is tired of seeing his fighters travel out of state to practice what they learn from him.

He said the sanctioning would produce licensing revenues for Maryland and lead to the growth of small businesses associated with mixed martial arts.

The sport, best known through the Ultimate Fighting Championship promotion, combines boxing, kickboxing, amateur wrestling and submission grappling. Fights are generally contested in a cage and can be won by knockout, referee's stoppage, judge's decision or opponent's submission.

UFC ran its first fight cards in the 1990s, but the sport was then nearly run out of the country by legislators and activists who considered it barbaric. It experienced a renaissance, however, after promoters began to embrace boxing-style regulation by state athletic commissions.

Mixed martial arts is sanctioned in 32 of 50 states, and UFC pay-per-view shows draw hundreds of thousands of buys at $40 a pop.

If it receives committee approval, the Maryland senate bill, or its cousin, sponsored by Del. Kirill Reznick, will still have to be passed by the entire legislature and signed by Gov. Martin O'Malley.

If the effort makes it that far, the state athletic commission would then have to draft rules for supervision of the sport. That process, which would include the training of doctors, referees and other fight officials, could take until late this year or early next year.

Yesterday's hearing offered the first public opportunity for supporters and opponents to comment on the legislation.

Patrick Pannella, executive director of the state athletic commission, said he welcomes the chance to oversee mixed martial arts. Michael Kelly, a ringside doctor from New Jersey, and Michael Mersch, an attorney for the UFC, testified to the effectiveness of regulations in other states.

The bill also drew support from Dr. Frank M. Reid III, the influential pastor of Baltimore's Bethel AME Church.

"It makes great business sense," said Reid, who watches the sport with his son and trains under Rallo. "MMA is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and Maryland should not be left behind."

GeneChing

03-04-2008, 10:51 AM

...according to this article at least.

MMA sanctioning efforts moving forward (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/custom/mma/bal-mma303,0,4506996.story)
Ground Control owner Rallo encouraged by Md. legislators' response to bill
By Childs Walker | Sun reporter
3:25 PM EST, March 3, 2008

Click here to find out more!

Efforts to get mixed martial arts (MMA) sanctioned in Maryland took an important step forward today when a senate committee announced it had given a favorable nod to a bill that would allow the state's athletic commission to oversee the sport.

After receiving approval from the committee for education, health and environmental affairs, the bill will move to a vote by the senate. A house version, sponsored by Del. Kirill Reznick, a Montgomery County Democrat, has a committee hearing Wednesday afternoon.

Senators posed few questions about the bill during a hearing last week.

"It's good to see all the hard work that we've put in paying off," said John Rallo, who co-owns the Ground Control martial arts gym in Canton and has spurred the sanctioning effort. "I've been as proactive as possible with this issue and tried to arm my guys and the athletic commission members with as much information as possible. We've tried to make sure we have the answers to questions before they come up."

The state athletic commission has the power to oversee boxing, kickboxing and wrestling but not mixed martial arts, which is an amalgam of all three along with submission grappling.

The sport is best known from the reality programs and pay-per-view cards promoted by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC.)

Local gym owners say they're tired of sending MMA trainees to Delaware, New Jersey and Virginia for fights. The bill's sponsor, Baltimore Democrat Joan Carter Conway, agreed, saying the state should get in on the profits from a growing sport.

MMA is sanctioned in 32 states.

"The sport is mainstream now," Rallo said. "It's time for everybody to catch up."

GeneChing

03-05-2008, 01:38 PM

...there's the city level - I wasn't even thinking about that.

Andover bans mixed martial arts (http://abcnewspapers.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1958&Itemid=1)
Tuesday, 04 March 2008
by Eric Hagen

Andover followed the lead of a few other Anoka County communities and expanded its mixed martial arts ban to include every place in the city, public or private.

The Andover City Council on Sept. 5, 2006, passed an ordinance that forbid mixed martial arts, commonly known as ultimate fighting, as well as boxing and wrestling in any licensed establishments such as bars.

The council on Feb. 19 unanimously agreed to expand its mixed martial arts ban to any public or private building or place in the city.

The new ordinance is identical to one the Blaine City Council passed in August 2007.

Blaine looked into a mixed martial arts ordinance because some Centennial High School students had organized a fighting competition in a city park that drew around 100 students.

Blaine police were able to disperse the crowd because of noise complaints from neighbors, but were unable to cite the students who organized the event because organizing a fighting competition was not illegal at that time in Blaine.

Capt. Tom Wells of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division said the Andover High School police liaison officer proposed expanding the mixed martial arts ordinance to include outdoor locations because last fall, some students had organized a fight by a railroad bridge underpass, which deputies found on You Tube.

Similar to Blaine, there are laws in place to go after the fighters, but it’s harder to go after the organizers and the spectators.

Andover and Blaine’s mixed martial arts ordinances allows police officers to cite everyone involved.

Wells said mixed martial arts has not been a huge problem in Andover, but the sheriff’s office did not want to wait until it became a bigger problem.

“It’s more preventative,” he said. “It’s not a huge problem in the city of Andover, but it would be a proactive approach to dealing with future issues.”

Wells said there have been some organized fights in back yards of homes years ago, so he felt it would be best to blanket the community in the restriction so that fighters, organizers and observers could be fined whether they are in a city park, their backyard or even a participant’s home basement.

“I think if you want to restrict the behavior, you have to go on private property,” Wells said.

Anoka County Commissioner Scott LeDoux, who was appointed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty to be the Executive Director of the Minnesota Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Commission, said the ban should only be against unsanctioned fights and not the entire sport.

The state legislature during the 2007 session officially recognized mixed martial arts as a sport that should be sanctioned. Participants are screened for HIV and drugs, must pass physicals and adhere to the competition rules.

LeDoux said there is a strong Midwest fan base for mixed martial arts and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) league will be coming to the Target Center this August.

“I think it’s foolish for cities to banish sports regulated by the state,” said LeDoux, who represents a portion of southern Andover. “It stops revenue from coming into their city.”

LeDoux said bars used to put on tough man fights that were unregulated. The competitors were usually drunk, LeDoux said.

Establishments can be fined for putting on unsanctioned fights, he said.

LeDoux’s feedback led Ramsey Police Chief Jim Way to recommend the Ramsey City Council only forbid unsanctioned fights and not sanctioned fights. The council agreed to this in October 2007.

Capt. Kerry Fenner, interim police chief of the Blaine Police Department, said his department has not responded to any organized fights since the ordinance went into effect, but he said they may not have been tipped off or it could become an issue when the weather warms up.

Spring Lake Park passed a complete ban of mixed martial arts in early 2005 and have not had to enforce it yet, said Police Chief David Toth.

The cities of Columbia Heights and Fridley passed ordinances in early 2005 only forbidding mixed martial arts in establishments with liquor licenses.

Columbia Heights, Fridley and Spring Lake Park passed mixed martial arts ordinances in early 2005 in response to a November 2004 incident outside of the Minnesota Sports Cafe in Fridley where two assailants beat a man into a coma.

Authorities believe that all three had attended a mixed martial arts match in the Minnesota Sports Cafe, according to Fridley Capt. Brian Weierke

GeneChing

03-18-2008, 11:33 AM

Is that the proper usage of the word 'oversight'?

Senate delays mixed martial arts decision (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/custom/mma/bal-mma0318,0,7589486.story)
The Associated Press
1:42 PM EDT, March 18, 2008

ANNAPOLIS - The Senate has delayed making a decision on whether to allow brutal mixed martial arts contests in Maryland.

Lawmakers decided Tuesday to put off for one day a decision on whether to regulate sometimes-brutal fights known as mixed martial arts. Currently such contests, sometimes called "ultimate fighting," are illegal in Maryland.

Supporters say the mixed-martial arts contests should be allowed but need oversight by the state agency that also oversees boxing matches. But some senators questioned whether Maryland should allow violent fights, sometimes fought in cages.

The measure was rescheduled for further debate Wednesday. A similar bill is pending in the House.

1bad65

03-18-2008, 02:32 PM

No, 'oversight' is not the proper word in that sentence.

As of this week Texas allows elbows and knees from the clinch in amateur fights. They were always legal in pro fights though.

GeneChing

03-20-2008, 09:35 AM

Despite a horribly misleading title (we can and have discussed kung fu in the cage elsewhere) I do agree about the writing issue. We've yet to see a Hemingway of MMA. That's a very interesting argument to me. There are some underlying implications that could be fleshed out there.

Kung-Fu Lawmaking (http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/fantasy_legislature/archive/2008/03/kungfu_lawmaking.shtml)
Posted at 1:34 PM on March 19, 2008 by Michael Marchio (0 Comments)

So by now, everyone's probably come across mixed-martial arts. That's the technical term for Ultimate Fighting Championships, the sport that basically revolves around two dudes in a cage beating the living daylights out of each other using various martial arts styles, like kickboxing and kung-fu. Last year, the state voted to have any match conducted in the state be subject to regulation by the Minnesota Boxing Commission.

Some participants were unhappy about the extra supervision, but they may be having the last laugh, because it looks like the name of the Minnesota Boxing Commission is changing to Minnesota Combative Sports Commission, out of deference to them.

HF3913, sponsored by Rep. Bob Gunther (R-Fairmount) would, besides changing the name, requires "combatants" to pass tests for Hepatitis B, C, and HIV, in addition to last year's requirement that they become licensed, and allow for MCSC board doctors to require a medical examination after a combatant's injury before returning to fight again.

Call me sentimental, but this seems like a symbolic changing of the guard, from the generation that followed boxing - grandparents, mostly - to the one that follows Ultimate Fighting - their grandkids.

Its too bad that Ultimate Fighting, at least so far, hasn't inspired the same great writing that boxing has. There may be a Mailer, Remnick, Hemingway out there somewhere, though, that just hasn't made it big yet.

Today was the last day before lawmakers go on Easter break, so I'll be handing out some kudos at this session midpoint tomorrow for some of the big point-earning bills, teams, and lawmakers.

Pork Chop

03-20-2008, 12:25 PM

GeneChing

03-24-2008, 11:41 AM

click for pic. ;)

MMA Coming Soon to Maryland (http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/03/22/mma-coming-soon-to-maryland/)

Michael David SmithPosted Mar 22nd 2008 1:52PM by Michael David Smith
Filed under: Baltimore, Fighting, MMA, MMA/Boxing
Maryland is poised to become the latest state to realize that mixed martial arts is, in fact, a legitimate sport.

In a development that will no doubt be condemned by a newspaper columnist with a lot of Maryland readers, the state senate approved a bill on Friday that would allow the Maryland State Athletic Commission to oversee mixed martial arts. Supporters hope and expect that the legislation will pass in the House of Delegates and be signed by the governor. Gym owner John Rallo explains how the bill got passed:

"If we would have tried to get it legalized without supplying the stats and making the experts available to testify, I don't think it would have ever gotten passed," he said. "Education was the best way to get what we wanted, and I believed that all along."

Rallo has it exactly right: Opposition to MMA is based on ignorance, and the way to combat that opposition is through education. When a big MMA show turns up in Baltimore, fans will have Rallo to thank.

GeneChing

04-24-2008, 09:26 AM

When are we just going to make them a state? :rolleyes:

Cops charge fight promoters; Another mixed martial arts contest planned Saturday for Six Nations (http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=999153)
Posted By Susan Gamble
Posted 5 hours ago

The promoters of an "ultimate fighting" event on Six Nations have been charged with holding an illegal prize fight.

But organizers say the charges won't slow plans for the third and, they expect, the largest of the mixed martial arts fights, planned for this weekend.

Six Nations police have charged at least four men under Section 83 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits fighting with fists in contests that haven't been authorized by a legislated board or commission.

Those charged include Bill Montour, the president, director and secretary of the Grand River Athletic Corp.; James Procyk, the promoter of the Iroquois Mixed Martial Arts Championships; Dave Mair, the head coach of the local Team Iroquois; and Jason King, the commissioner of the Grand River Athletic Commission.

The charges relate to the first fight held by the group, last November.

more charges coming?

Six Nations police are still investigating the February mixed martial arts fight.

A police spokesperson could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

However, in a February news release, police said the prize fight was a criminal offence.

"The event was a 'for profit' enterprise for Mr. Montour and his partners," police Chief Glenn Lickers said in the news release.

"There is also a concern that if this type of event is illegal off the territory, what element of other schemes will be attracted to our community."

Lickers noted that "a number of Hell's Angels and Red Devils" showed up for the fight wearing their colours.

Procyk, of Hamilton, said he and others charged haven't appeared before a judge yet but they do have a lawyer who will help address the charges.

"The (Saturday) show will go on," he said Wednesday. "There's nothing we can do about the charges just now and we have a great program on Saturday. We're hoping it's our biggest turnout yet."

Fighter Shonie Carter was to be the headliner but, due to an injury, he had to back out, Procyk said. Carter will still be on hand to meet and greet the fans and cheer on the fighters in the eight to 11 bouts scheduled.

Fighters are coming from area fight clubs and from as far away as California, Georgia and Amsterdam, the organizer said.

Regarding concerns about motorcycle gangs attending the fights, Procyk said all posters note the event is drug-free, alcohol-free and that gangs are requested not to wear their colours.

"If they pay for a ticket, they can come in like anyone else."

The fights will take place at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena on Second Line Road, near Hagersville.

GeneChing

04-24-2008, 09:27 AM

...from a proud Canadian, no less.

Ultimate fighting is barbaric (http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/letters/story.html?id=362e425a-7391-4db0-9a88-651cef65a76a)
The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Thursday, April 24, 2008

Re: St-Pierre punches ticket to fame, April 21.

Although I am a proud Canadian, I am ashamed to be a Montrealer after my city and province allowed the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title match last Saturday. It was the first time UFC came to Canada.

Ontario officials, please, do better and do not sanction this barbaric so-called "sport" to take place in your province. Stand strong for Canadian "civilization."

I am not against roughness in sports; I am against savage violence.

If the goal of a sport is to physically harm another human being, then it is wrong and should be banned. Hockey and football have violence but it is peripheral and can be controlled -- the goals are to get a puck in a net and a ball across a goal line.

The goal of UFC or "Mixed Martial Arts" fighting and boxing is to strike and overpower another human being. Olympic wrestling does not harm the human body while one single punch to it causes immediate harm.

The only logical explanation must be that the vast majority of fighters and organizers must have been mentally and/or physically abused growing up because the main way they express their self-worth is to hurt others so as to feel better about themselves.

Wrapping "fighting and boxing" in themes of sportsmanlike honour and regulation is misleading. Fighting and bullying should be repulsive to any civilized person.

If society condones these activities, it directly leads young people accepting fighting and aggressiveness as OK and the "cool, tough" way to deal with conflict. It takes a stronger man to control his violent urges than to give in to them. We should be raising boys and girls to be repulsed by violence. The only place for fighting is in personal and societal self-defense. We are reverting to ancient gladiatorial spectacles and martial values. I am saddened about this and will do everything in my power to stand up for non-violence and human civilization.

Mike Trepanier,

Montreal

sanjuro_ronin

04-24-2008, 09:36 AM

...from a proud Canadian, no less.

He's an idiot, there is more violence and savagery in a hockey fight and that is NOT even part of the actual sport.
This guy must have been toilet trained at gun point.

sanjuro_ronin

04-24-2008, 09:37 AM

If society condones these activities, it directly leads young people accepting fighting and aggressiveness as OK and the "cool, tough" way to deal with conflict. It takes a stronger man to control his violent urges than to give in to them. We should be raising boys and girls to be repulsed by violence. The only place for fighting is in personal and societal self-defense. We are reverting to ancient gladiatorial spectacles and martial values. I am saddened about this and will do everything in my power to stand up for non-violence and human civilization.

What message does this guy think is being sent when people cheer for a fight during a hockey game ??

GeneChing

04-30-2008, 09:15 AM

Oh wait, Canadians buy a fair amount of our magazine. Canada is cool.

Back OT, here's the state of AMMA in the state of KY...

(PressZoom) - FRANKFORT, Ky. ( April 29, 2008 ) (http://presszoom.com/story_144758.html) – A bill passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Steve Beshear will make the growing sport of amateur mixed martial arts ( MMA ) safer in Kentucky.

House Bill 684, sponsored by Rep. Steve Riggs ( D-Louisville ), extends regulations enforced by the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority to amateur MMA bouts. Previously, only professional MMA matches were covered. The bill also establishes a medical review panel for the authority.

The authority’s rules help ensure the safety of participants by requiring a medical exam for each competitor, requiring a ringside physician for each match and mandating prompt access to an ambulance, among other measures.

“This was needed legislation, and we are glad it has become law,” said Larry Bond, commissioner of the Department of Public Protection, which includes the boxing and wrestling authority. “The legislation will allow some regulation in a contact sport where amateur MMA competitors were exposed to risk and injury by competing in unregulated matches.”

The medical review panel, which will consist of three to five physicians, will consider medical issues that come to the attention of the boxing and wrestling authority. Among their tasks will be examining the medical records of competitors and making recommendations to improve health and safety.

GeneChing

05-01-2008, 09:31 AM

"we're not interested."

Proposed mixed martial arts ban dealt a blow (http://www.wickedlocal.com/fall-river/sports/x1880416156)
By Michael Holtzman
Wed Apr 30, 2008, 08:17 PM EDT

Fall River - With Mayor Robert Correia trying to squash a controversial sport the state’s declined to regulate, the City Council Tuesday threw a haymaker on his plans to ban “ultimate fighting.”
After hearing a dozen protesting advocates of what’s loosely called mixed martial arts – from trainers to parents to participants – the council voted a “leave to withdraw” on Correia’s draft ordinance.
Rather than continue discussion within its ordinance committee, the council said, in effect, “we’re not interested.”
“People came from all over the state and their voices were heard,” Correia said, criticizing the council’s action. “I don’t know who spoke for the children of Fall River last night.”
“It appeared that the only option was to totally ban mixed martial arts, and I don’t feel we had any interest in doing that,” said Councilor Cathy Ann Viveiros after proposing not to bring the draft law to their ordinance subcommittee and ask dozens of protesters to return.
Viveiros said she was particularly impressed by parents saying MMA was “working well as an alternative sport,” teaching their children discipline, self-protection and self-respect.
She also felt re-assured the combination of mixed martial arts and “grappling” – which includes submission holds – was safe after hearing youth versions prohibited striking opponents.
“Please don’t bridge the gap between ‘Ultimate Fighting’ and my kids’ program,” Tim Gillett, owner of Gillett’s Mixed Martial Arts and Ultimate Training Academy in Fall River, said.
“At no time in any of these matches have kids under 18 been hit in the head as part of the sport,” Gillett, 37, also a substitute city middle school teacher, told the council.
Ultimate Fighting is a brand name that promotes the MMA adult fights generally involving fighters 18 and over, said Joe Cuff, vice president of the North American Grappling Association in Connecticut.
NAGA’s president, Kip Kollar, spoke out against the proposed ban, bringing a poster advertising the New England grappling championship scheduled June 28 at B.M.C. Durfee High School. It says samurai swords will be given to first-place winners.
NAGA sanctions the tournaments the Gillett studio has participated in. Children as young as 6 or 7, have excelled in competition, said the owner, who said their success may have prompted recent attention on Fall River.
“Nobody’s died from it,” Kollar said, stating more serious injuries result from children playing football and soccer.
Correia, further criticizing the council, said, “I don’t want Fall River to be known as the ultimate fighting place. We need a public debate.”
He cited the $300,000 annual grants the city received for gang prevention. “What kind of mixed message are we sending our children?” he asked.
Advocates said the number is multiplying, with Michael Varner, a Randolph center owner, saying, “It’s the fastest-growing sport in the world.”
The state, after a lawsuit, stopped regulating MMA fights in 2005, and no rules are in place prohibiting minors from contact fighting, published reports said.
It was a front-page Boston news story earlier this month that prompted Correia’s proposal. “It is atrocious that in today’s society we are encouraging our children to be more violent in a society that does not need any more violence,” he wrote the City Council.
When he, Viveiros and council President Joseph D. Camara were asked if they had seen Gillett’s Web site, none had.
Among the online graphics includes a boxing stick figure with the message: “When punching them in the face just isn’t enough.”
Another, of two male adults in a hold titled “triangle chokes,” reads: “There is a special kind of satisfaction in knowing that the last thing your opponent will remember before blacking out is the smell of your b---s.”
Those describing the sport to the council presented a far less violent or vile approach.
Fred Melco, a city police officer who practices MMA, said it’s the adults that compete in fights, while children enter “grappling tournaments” using a point system and submission like judo, boxing and kickboxing.
“It’s a sport and everyone’s missing the concept of it,” Anna Maria Moitoso of Woodman Street said, describing how her high school son won two high school wrestling matches before beginning MMA training with Gillett. This year he won 23.
Catherine Lambert of Detroit Street described how her son, born with club foot, “learned how to defend himself” and gained self-respect.
Council Vice President Pat Casey smiled and nodded when Gillett, recognizing her, asked if she’s a black belt karate expert. Casey emphasized the “total respect” found in martial arts. She said the “Ultimate Fighting seen on TV… is bizarre,” adding, “They’re linking that to all of this… and that’s totally false.”
Casey, Viveiros and Camera each said they planned to watch matches at Gillett’s center.
“I voted to get rid of it (the ordinance),” Camera said, “but I was thinking – and I think my colleagues were thinking – that we will revisit it.”

shadowlin

05-03-2008, 09:04 AM

1bad65

05-03-2008, 01:52 PM

this crap is exactly why I hate governments. little weanies sitting on a "commission" exerting their power over everything with no democratic representation. They just do whatever.:mad:

if dieselheads want to fight, let them fight. Then I can watch, observe their weaknesses and get better :D

Commissions are needed. They do several things that are necessary including overseeing (and in some states insuring) that promoters pay fighters and not write hot checks, make sure fighters are tested for disease (though this varies by state, in Texas they test for AIDS and HepB), make sure gross mismatches are not allowed, ensure that the promoter carries insurance to cover fighters medical costs for injuries sustained during the bout, and they train and license the referees as well.

They of course do more, those were just off the top of my head.

GeneChing

05-05-2008, 09:59 AM

Looks like we're still at 32 sanction states. If NY comes over, that would be huge.

Sen. Griffo wants to legalize Mix Martial Arts (http://news10now.com/content/top_stories/115334/sen--griffo-wants-to-legalize-mix-martial-arts/Default.aspx)
05/02/2008 06:23 PM
By: Iris St. Meran

UTICA, N.Y. -- The sport Mix Martial Arts, made popular by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, continues to grow in popularity, but it's not legal here in New York State.

It is a combination of different fighting techniques including martial arts and boxing. Matt Hamill of Utica is a contender and fights around the world. But the game isn't legal in many states including New York and State Senator Joseph wants that to change.

"I think it's time for the state of New York to take a look at the possibility of allowing this considering that the sport has grown and has evolved and has a significant interest and demand. And there's an opportunity for significant tourist and tax revenue to come as a result of holding and hosting these multimillion dollar gates," said State Senator Joseph Griffo.
Sen. Griffo wants to legalize Mix Martial Arts
The sport Mix Martial Arts, made popular by the Ultimate Fighting Championship continues to grow in popularity, but it's not legal here in New York State.

Mix Martial Arts is only sanction in 32 states currently. Griffo said in order for this to move forward a bill has to be presented followed by discussion and debate.

1bad65

05-05-2008, 11:01 AM

If NY comes over, that would be huge.

Especially considering MMA is illegal Ontario. I would bet alot of Canadian fighters and fans will come down to NY for the fights there.

lkfmdc

05-05-2008, 05:29 PM

Especially considering MMA is illegal Ontario. I would bet alot of Canadian fighters and fans will come down to NY for the fights there.

Damm Canadians, coming here and taking American jobs :mad:

:D

GeneChing

05-06-2008, 09:33 AM

Our east coast Tiger Claw (http://www.tigerclaw.com) office is in TN.

House passes bill allowing mixed martial arts (http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=60019)
By John Rodgers, May 6, 2008 10:57 am
Updated: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 10:57 am

The economic benefits of mixed martial arts and boxing events could soon be seen in Tennessee if a bill passed by the state House today becomes law.

The “Tennessee Athletic Commission Act of 2008” was passed 95-2 this morning. The measure has not passed the Senate yet.

The bill creates a new athletic commission in state government to regulate mixed martial arts and boxing as well as update existing laws.

Proponents say the bill will put Tennessee on a level playing field with other states to lure the fights to Tennessee.

Attracting a major event to Tennessee will be anywhere from a “$70 to $100 million” economic boon for the state not counting the local impact, said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Curry Todd (R-Memphis).

“The economic impact of these fights [is] going to be great,” Todd said.

GeneChing

05-07-2008, 09:07 AM

Stalled in the senate.

Bill seeking to regulate mixed martial arts advancing (http://www.theleafchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/NEWS03/80506025)
Associated Press • May 6, 2008

NASHVILLE — A bill to legalize and regulate “mixed martial arts” competitions in Tennessee has passed the House but stalled in a Senate committee.
Advertisement

The House on Tuesday passed the measure sponsored by Rep. Curry Todd, a Memphis Republican, on a 95-2 vote.

But the companion bill was delayed for a week in the Senate Finance Committee because of concerns over an effort to direct some proceeds to the wrestling program at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga.

The bill would create a new commission to regulate amateur and professional contests beyond the boxing and kickboxing currently permitted in Tennessee.

1bad65

05-07-2008, 09:10 AM

I say it will pass. After all, Tennesee was the first state to re-license Mike Tyson after he served his suspension for biting Evander Holyfield's ears.

GeneChing

05-09-2008, 02:57 PM

Seems like a lot of states are pending now - NY, TN & SC

Bill would allow mixed martial arts contests in SC (http://www.charlotte.com/205/story/617006.html)
By SEANNA ADCOX
Associated Press Writer

COLUMBIA, S.C. --
South Carolina could join its neighbors in allowing mixed martial arts contests under legislation up for discussion next week by a Senate panel.

Proponents say the increasingly popular combative sport, which combines elements of karate, judo, jujitsu and kickboxing, would bring money and tourists to the Palmetto State. They contend mixed martial arts has evolved from its no-holds-barred past to a regulated sport broadcast on TV, and South Carolina should share in the wealth.

The measure, set for debate Wednesday, would repeal South Carolina's ban on such fighting events and direct the State Athletic Commission to regulate what Forbes magazine recently labeled "the billion-dollar blood sport."

"You're having events all around you, and no revenue's coming into your state," said Marc Ratner, a vice president of Las Vegas-based Ultimate Fighting Championship, which has looked at Columbia as a possible venue if legalized.

Ratner said the sport is no more violent than boxing and attracts younger audiences. "It's just a different form of combat sport," said Ratner, a former executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Earlier this month, a UFC event in Montreal attracted more than 19,000 fans for a $5 million gross at the gate, he said. Other events are being considered in Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C.

"It's a moneymaker," said Sen. Jake Knotts, R-West Columbia, who met with Ratner and sponsored the bill at the State Athletic Commission's request.

Sen. Larry Grooms said he added his name to the bill because his wife and sons are big fans.

"I find it strange that she can watch it on TV where they fight in other states, but she can't watch it here," the Bonneau Republican said.

The senators acknowledge the bill's chances for passage this year are extremely slim, with just a month left in session.

More than 30 states have approved mixed martial arts contests since New Jersey officials created formal rules for the sport in 2001, barring biting, eye gouging, head butts, finger bending and other fouls. According to Ratner, the most serious documented injury during a sanctioned mixed martial contest since those rules were set has been a broken arm.

Legislation approving the sport is also pending in New York, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Rhode Island. North Carolina lawmakers legalized the sport last year.

"When it was a no-holds-barred sport, it turned people off. Putting rules with it made it a solid competition," said James Hines, the North Carolina-based promoter of "Mayhem in the Cage."

"Now rules are strictly enforced," he said. "It's like poetry in motion watching a great athlete out there doing what he does best."

The South Carolina measure specifies that licensed fighters must be at least 18 years old and pass physical and medical tests before bouts.

Michael Tyler, chairman of the State Athletic Commission, believes the contests would boost the state's economy and double the number of annual contests. The commission puts on between 15 and 20 boxing events, most of them in Charleston, and roughly 30 wrestling events across the state yearly.

"All these other states are taking all these fights," he said.

pakuakid

05-22-2008, 07:39 AM

On May 20 2008 the TN senate passed the MMA bill 30-0. The Effective date is July 1 2008.

GeneChing

06-11-2008, 09:28 AM

Thanks for the update on TN, pakuakid!

(Wyo.)-MMA Remains Unregulated in Wyoming (http://www.chadrad.com/sportsstory.cfm?story=10092)

By: Nick Jakusz Posted at: 06/09/2008 11:10 AM
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - Wyoming is one of eight state where mixed martial arts are legal but not regulated by a state athletic commission.

That despite the fact that such fights often result in at least a participant being bloodied during a bout.

State Sen. Bill Landen of Casper says he hopes it doesn't take some tragic event in the ring to force legislation to create an athletic commission to oversee such events.

Casper has been the site of mixed martial arts fights in the past and has another event scheduled in August.

Promoter Steve Alley says he can operate with or without a state commission overseeing fights.

jdhowland

06-11-2008, 11:54 AM

Can confirm that it's legal in Alaska. Something called Alaska Fighting Chamlpionship operates in Anchorage.

GeneChing

07-01-2008, 11:38 AM

I heard from some one at our TN office who went to one of the first fights. He said it was low level, but enjoyable.

Tennessee to begin regulating MMA (http://mmajunkie.com/news/4696/tennessee-to-begin-regulating-mma.mma)
by MMAjunkie.com Staff on Jul 01, 2008 at 10:40 am ET
The state of Tennessee has passed legislation that calls for the sanctioning of mixed martial arts, which opens the door for the Ultimate Fighting Championship and other major organizations to host events in Memphis, Nashville and other cities.

In fact, it was the UFC that led the charge to get the sport sanctioned in Tennessee, the home of UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson.

Gov. Phil Bredesen will put the legislation into effect today.

Jackson and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner were especially prominent in the process. Both met with lawmakers to describe the benefits of MMA, and Ratner even wrote guest columns for local media.

"Stateside, Tennessee is a hotbed for MMA," Ratner recently wrote in The Tennessean. "'Quinton "Rampage' Jackson, our light-heavyweight champion and one of the sport's true superstars, is a proud native of Memphis, and once the new Tennessee Athletic Commission is formed and has all the rules in place, we will be looking at Tennessee as a state to host a fight. We believe that with their beautiful arenas and diehard fan base, Memphis or Nashville would be great hosts for a UFC event."

As part of the legislation, Tennessee will create a state athletic commission to regulate the sport.

The process to sanction MMA in "The Volunteer State" began this past October. State Rep. Curry Todd. (R-Collierville/Germantown) was the key legislator in the process, and he received help from Sen. Doug Jackson (D-****son).

Memphis (670,000 residents) and Nashville (552,000) are Tennessee's two largest cities. Likely venues for future UFC events include Nashville's Sommet Center (19,000 capacity) and Memorial Gymnasium (14,000 capacity), as well as The Pyramid Arena (21,000 capacity) in Memphis.

Regulated MMA is right call (http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080701/COLUMNIST0207/807010332/1002/SPORTS)
John Glennon

Bloodbaths and modern-day gladiator battles.

Those are just a few of the heart-warming terms that have been used to describe mixed martial arts combat over the years.

So by these accounts, we're fast approaching the end of civilization as we know it, given that Tennessee recently became the latest state to legalize — and regulate — the sport.

MMA opponents would have us believe it's only a matter time now before the body bags start stacking up like so many sandbags next to a swollen river.

To which I say: Baloney.

Rules make difference

Those who are so violently opposed to MMA — in which competitors battle one another using all manner of striking, grappling and wrestling skills — probably don't know much about it.

The tendency is to equate it to the prehistoric Toughman contests, in which fighters clashed under a set of rules that could have been written on a postage stamp. More than a dozen deaths nationwide were linked to such events over the years.

But reform has been under way for more than a decade. The sport made large strides in 2001, when Dana White took over as head of one its major organizations, Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Thinking of head-butting, eye-gouging or perhaps spiking your opponent on his head? Not so fast, as those are just three of the 31 no-nos that have been banned under UFC guidelines for the past seven years.

In case you're interested, heel kicks to the kidney, clavicle grabbing and small-joint manipulation are also out of bounds, according to UFC rules. No word on the old Three Stooges move: grab the nose and smack it with a fist.

Seriously, a three-year study of sanctioned MMA bouts in Nevada, compiled by an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University, revealed an injury rate no higher than that of boxing. It also pointed that knockout rates are lower in MMA competitions than in boxing, suggesting that MMA holds less risk of traumatic brain injury than boxing.

While it's true some MMA bouts might run red because of a scraped forehead, smashed nose or split ear, that doesn't mean fighters are in dire straits.
Better than boxing?

Dr. Joseph Estwanik, an orthopedic surgeon who helped to legalize MMA in North Carolina, told National Public Radio that injuries in mixed martial arts might be more "graphic,'' but at the same time are usually "treatable, fixable and temporary.''

The key word when it comes to MMA is regulation, which is why it's important the state is creating the Tennessee Athletic Commission. The body will oversee rule enforcement here, making sure that out-and-out barbarism remains a thing of the past.

Is MMA for everyone? Certainly not.

But let's hope those criticizing it aren't the same people sitting down every autumn weekend and hoping their favorite defensive end rips the head off the opposing quarterback, or those who tune in the big race hoping that a 10-car pileup adds a little spice to the proceedings.

We all satisfy our thirst for aggression in different ways. It's just that MMA supporters don't bother trying to disguise it.

GeneChing

07-01-2008, 11:47 AM

The organization also reported that from 1979, when Original Toughman competitions started, to last November, 13 Toughman fighters died of injuries sustained in the ring.

By comparison, MMA has had one documented death from a sanctioned event -- Houston fighter Sam Vasquez died last December after being injured in a fight almost two months earlier.

MMA could soon face ban in Delaware (http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080629/SPORTS/806290353)
Rep. Valihura introduces bill to do away with 'combative fighting' in state due to safety issues
By ALEXANDER PYLES • The News Journal • June 29, 2008

With mixed martial arts continuing to gain mainstream popularity, local boxing promoter Keith Stoffer said he wouldn't mind if MMA disappeared.

"It's no secret that this movement has, especially on television, taken away from boxing," Stoffer said.

He may end up getting his wish, at least temporarily.

On Tuesday, state Rep. Robert J. Valihura Jr., R-Beau Tree, introduced legislation that would ban "combative fighting" in Delaware.

House Bill 501, which is being called the "Toughman Legislation," lumps MMA with Toughman competitions.

The bill defines Toughman events as elimination tournaments between amateur participants without any boxing experience or training.

The bill would ban both forms of fighting in Delaware. Promoters and fighters who violate the law would face class A misdemeanor charges.

Delaware does not have a state boxing commission. Instead, boxing is sanctioned by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission, which does not currently regulate MMA.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of State Web site, the commission voted in July 2007 "to approve draft regulations that would allow [MMA] events to occur in Pennsylvania."

But those regulations have not been adopted and likely won't go into effect until around Thanksgiving, Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission director Greg Sirb said.

Even if the Pennsylvania regulations are approved, it would be up to Delaware officials to ask the commission to oversee MMA events in the First State.

James Collins, director of the state Division of Professional Regulation, said Delaware officials would not rule out eventually allowing Pennsylvania-sanctioned MMA events to be held here.

"I don't think we can do it [MMA] safely in Delaware at this time," Collins said.

Collins and Valihura believe unregulated MMA is too dangerous.

"The safety of the individual is the concern," said Valihura, the bill's primary sponsor. "We intended to outlaw bare-knuckle boxing matches at the turn of the [20th] century. This seems a reincarnation [of that]."

Valihura said the bill was drawn up by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation based on a 2003 Joint Sunset Committee recommendation to investigate combative fighting in the state. An unsanctioned event being promoted in Hockessin that year made officials realize that they didn't have a system in place to regulate such fights, Valihura said.

Valihura's bill is modeled in part after a 2005 Texas law that bans Toughman, asserting that amateurs fighting in the elimination tournament do not receive adequate medical attention during or after the fights.

Illinois and Tennessee passed similar laws in 2004, according to USA Today.

New Castle boxer Michael "No Joke" Stewart believes that the Delaware legislation is a step in the right direction.

Stewart said Toughman competition should be outlawed. But although he doesn't like MMA, Stewart admitted it could be beneficial to the state financially if it was regulated.

"It's a brutal sport," Stewart said. "MMA is just something I can't get into, to be honest with you. I just think it's more animalistic [than boxing]."

Leon Tabs, who trains Stewart and also has worked ringside as a cutman for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) since the popular MMA league's inception in 1993, said MMA actually is less dangerous than boxing.

"I thought it was brutal initially," he said. "But now I'm not sure it's as brutal as boxing."

Tabs said there are fewer direct shots to the head in MMA, and fewer sparring sessions during the weeks heading into a fight, making it less physically taxing for participants.

A recent report in Rolling Stone magazine, citing a Johns Hopkins study from the March 2008 British Journal of Sports Medicine, said 23.6 percent of MMA fighters sustained some kind of injury in the 635 fights observed from March 2002 to September 2007.

But injuries consisted mostly of facial lacerations, with just 3.3 percent of fights ending in a knockout. That's less than one-third of the KO rate in boxing, the article said.

According to the Electronic Journals of Martial Arts and Sciences, 78 pro and amateur boxers worldwide died in the 1990s.

The organization also reported that from 1979, when Original Toughman competitions started, to last November, 13 Toughman fighters died of injuries sustained in the ring.

By comparison, MMA has had one documented death from a sanctioned event -- Houston fighter Sam Vasquez died last December after being injured in a fight almost two months earlier.

Beyond the question of safety, Tabs said he has seen the financial impact UFC events can have on the cities and states that hold fights.

"I've seen [representatives] from the various states come in and witness the amount of money generated," Tabs said. "You don't see many boxers drawing [such large crowds]."

The last official event, "UFC 85: Bedlam," drew a crowd of 14,900 fans at O2 Arena in London, according to UFC publicist Rachel Trontel. The event grossed a gate of approximately $3 million.

UFC earned $200 million in pay per view revenue in 2006, compared to $170 million for HBO Boxing, according to an American Chronicle report.

Tabs believes that as MMA continues to become more popular, states won't have any choice but to embrace the sport.

Delaware's legislative session ends Monday, and Valihura said the fate of his bill likely will depend on how it is received in the Senate. Valihura said the bill, which made it out of committee Wednesday, likely would not face resistance in the House.

Rep. Deborah Hudson, R-Fairthorne, is co-sponsoring the bill, and Sen. David P. Sokola, D-Newark, is an additional sponsor.

lkfmdc

07-01-2008, 11:54 AM

Apparently in Deleware the outcome was not banning, but a call for regulation. In the short term, while legislation and rules are being made, there is a morotorium (sp?) until issues are resolved, but no ban

GeneChing

07-02-2008, 09:50 AM

...I'm a publisher, so I totally understand the motivation for slightly misleading headlines. ;)

Here's an update by the same reporter.

MMA avoids ban in Delaware (http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/SPORTS/807020364/1002/SPORTS)
Amendment to new legislation will allow regulated competition
By ALEXANDER PYLES • The News Journal • July 2, 2008

Mixed martial arts fighters and promoters in Delaware said Tuesday they were relieved that legislation originally written to ban MMA in the state was amended late Monday night.
Advertisement

The "Toughman Legislation," which the General Assembly approved before its session ended early Tuesday, will ban Toughman competitions throughout the state. But rather than also banning MMA, the legislation will allow for an MMA adviser to be placed on a Combative Sports Advisory Council, which would be created by the legislation.

Rep. Robert J. Valihura Jr., R-Beau Tree, House Bill 501's primary sponsor, said many MMA participants complained to him about the bill's original language.

"So, we tried to reach a compromise," he said.

If Gov. Ruth Ann Minner signs the bill into law, the council will identify a national sanctioning organization to oversee MMA in Delaware, according to James Collins, director of the state Division of Professional Regulation.

The United States Kickboxing Association regulates amateur MMA in New Jersey, for instance.

Collins said that because the governor has not signed the bill, there is no timetable for beginning the search for a sanctioning organization. It is unlikely, he said, that the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission will oversee MMA in Delaware, as it does boxing.

"I'm thrilled. It's going to protect the public,"

Valihura said. "After the body meets, they will be able to sanction these things similarly to the way boxing is regulated in the state.

"There will be no more unregulated MMA exhibitions in the state."

Nick Perez, a New Castle mixed martial artist, said he left a message for Valihura on Sunday urging the lawmaker to reconsider the proposed ban of MMA.

Perez, 33, was happy to hear that the bill was amended to reflect the distinction between Toughman and MMA.

"We're not guys coming off the street to go fight one night," Perez said. "That [revised bill] seems a lot more fair to the people who compete in the sport."

Toughman features elimination tournaments between amateur participants who have no boxing experience or training.

Jack Murphy, the owner of Jack's Kickboxing Gym in Newark, said he is pleased that legislators seem to be moving toward regulation of the sport.

"I think it's great; this is what I've been pushing for for the last several years," Murphy said, adding that he has appeared before the House and the Senate twice to discuss the regulation of MMA in Delaware.

But with no timetable for regulation, Murphy is only cautiously optimistic.

"I brought it up to them three years ago, and I'm still sitting here," he said. "But at least now their eyes are open."

Perez, meanwhile, is concerned that having to travel outside Delaware for fights, even temporarily, will make it more difficult for him to advance his MMA career.

"I had a mind-set to establish pro status in the next two years. In order to do that, I have to compete," he said. "I'm not getting any younger. It's kind of hard to put my life on hold for them."

Murphy said he is glad the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission will not govern MMA in Delaware. He said there are enough knowledgeable instructors of MMA disciplines in Delaware to form a state-based regulation committee.

Murphy also said it's unnecessary to enlist a national organization to regulate the sport in Delaware.

"Out of this gym alone, we could fit that bill and handle it," he said. "We are our own state; why don't we be our own state?"

Jeff Mitchell, an instructor at Elite Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Newark, said that quickly regulating MMA in Delaware is important so the state's youths can continue to learn about the sport.

"It's a good sport, it's a safe sport," Mitchell said. "I just hope they don't sit on it."

GeneChing

07-02-2008, 09:53 AM

the Pugilist law... :)

INSIDE THE CAGE (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/other/sfl-flspboxmmacolly29sbjun29,0,4497129.story)
Molloy, whose Florida Athletic Commission governs boxing and mixed martial arts, said Friday that amateur mixed martial arts will become fully sanctioned on Tuesday. Molloy spearheaded the effort to add the amendment to the Pugilist law that Gov. Charlie Crist signed off on recently. This opens the door for amateur shows such as Fort Lauderdale-based Left Hook Productions Warriors Collide series to add ground-and-pound to its striking shows. The amateur division will be headed by Gainesville-based Cory Schafer of ISKA, one of the state's few sanctioned amateur organizations.

GeneChing

07-30-2008, 09:55 AM

If this keeps up, I'll split the Canadian's out to their own thread.

Councillor Calls for MMA Ban (http://ottsun.canoe.ca/News/OttawaAndRegion/2008/07/30/6303156-sun.html)
Says 'ridiculous' fights have no place in City of Gatineau-owned venues
By AEDAN HELMER, SUN MEDIA

Quebec won't outlaw events in wake of 'isolated' brawl

A Gatineau city councillor is leading a campaign to ban mixed martial arts from city-owned venues, and wants to see extreme fighting eventually banned across the city.

Coun. Alain Pilon, who heads Gatineau's commission on sports, leisure and recreational activity, said he will call for an outright ban on the blood sport (extreme fighting) when council reconvenes Aug. 18.

Pilon said Gatineau Mayor Marc Bureau is onside with the idea, and he has also been gaining support from other colleagues.

"You hit the head of the other guy until he goes unconscious, and then you win. That's totally ridiculous," said Pilon. "It has no place in society, and especially not in Gatineau."

Pilon said he will first push to have mixed martial arts (MMA) banned from all city-owned venues, including the Robert Guertin Arena, where 3,000 fight fans packed the stands for last weekend's Freedom Fight.

WRONG KIND OF ATTENTION

Pilon will consult with the city's legal department about a blanket city-wide ban.

While the Freedom Fight was popular among fans, Pilon said the show attracts the wrong kind of attention as well.

Police are still investigating a brawl that broke out at a Gatineau Best Western hotel room after-party.

Two fighters were sent to hospital after nine men broke up the party, attacking guests with fists, bottles and a Taser.

Seven-time MMA champion Claude Patrick and event promoter Pete Rodley were among those attacked at around 4 a.m. Sunday.

Pilon said he was also upset with promoters for exploiting a city loophole by booking the arena for a "spectacle" instead of a sport.

Pilon, as head of the city's sport commission, said he would have denied permission to promoters if they had attempted to book the event as a sport.

"Nobody ever came to the commission to ask for permission for this," said Pilon. "Clearly we'll review that (process) and we'll see about fixing that."

Pilon said he hopes the public would support the ban.

"Extreme fighting events are banned in Ontario and most provinces except Quebec and Alberta. So we'll review with the commissioner and with council and hopefully move to ban this is our territory. We don't need this."

Shaolin Wookie

08-27-2008, 06:06 PM

Georgia hasn't been the freindliest to MMA, but it seems to be coming around. They opened a school in Kennesaw called Hard Knox, and I joined for hte gym and some classes. Good quality place, and hte MT trainer works with Brian Stan. I saw him working his MT the other day when I was lifting.

Cool stuff.

Kung Fu's more fun, though. So it's still cross-training to me.

If you're in the Kennesaw and Marietta area, check it out. It's up near the club Cowboys. Their website isn't very detailed yet, but they're new, so they'll probably need a while.

www.mmahardknox.com

The guy who runs the gym said Rick Steiner aka "Dog-Faced Gremlin" is going to be running their wrestling program.

Now that's friggin' awesome....LOL....and part of the reason I joined.

GeneChing

09-16-2008, 09:19 AM

I know the boys at Tiger Claw (http://www.tigerclaw.com)'s TN office are excited for this.

Panel kicks up legalizing mixed martial arts contests (http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/sep/16/panel-kicks-up-legalizing-mixed-martial-arts/)
Events could be held 'by Thanksgiving'
By Richard Locker (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Tuesday, September 16, 2008

NASHVILLE -- Memphis businessman and interim city councilman Jack Sammons is taking on another enterprise: The newly elected chairman of the new Tennessee Athletics Commission hopes big-ticket professional mixed martial arts contests will arrive in the state by year's end.

The nine-member commission was created by the state legislature this year as part of a major bill to legalize professional mixed martial arts competitions. The commission will monitor and regulate the sport, which includes kick boxing, wrestling, and other forms of fighting. The commission also regulates professional boxing in the state.

Sammons' colleagues on the new regulatory board elected him chairman earlier this month, and he said Monday he expects the regulations that will govern mixed martial arts will be approved at the board's Sept. 30 meeting.

The panel also warned promoters and venues that until its rules and regulations are approved and it issues permits, it considers "any amateur and professional unarmed combat sports event to be illegal." There have been reports of MMA events already held at some venues in the state.

Sammons, who was a citizen appointee of Gov. Phil Bredesen's, said his interest in the commission's work "is from an economic development perspective," adding, "I'm a longtime boxing fan and am learning quickly about mixed martial arts. As challenged as our state economy is, anytime we can create an opportunity to induce investment in our state it's a great idea. I'm told the major MMA events have a higher gate than Rolling Stones concerts."

Sammons, a city councilman for 16 years until 2007, was selected by the council last week to fill a vacancy on the council until a successor is elected Nov. 4. He is president of a hair products company and also runs a business that manages employee benefits for the airline industry.

He said that he believes the arenas and other venues will be hosting mixed martial arts events "by Thanksgiving."

That's not soon enough for state Rep. Curry Todd, R-Collierville, House sponsor of the Tennessee Athletic Commission Act of 2008 that established the commission and the mixed martial arts regulatory framework. Although the new law went into effect July 1, the last appointee to the commission was not made until this month

"Personally I was hoping the appointments would be made faster. I hope they get this up and going. There's shouldn't be any delay in getting the rules approved. They can go ahead and do that. The economic impact just from these major fights is anywhere from $25 million to $50 million," Todd said.

GeneChing

09-16-2008, 02:37 PM

you can put lipstick on a ****....:eek:

MMA in New York State still in the cage … for now (http://sports.espn.go.com/extra/mma/news/story?id=3584265)
By Thomas Hauser
Special to ESPN.com
Updated: September 16, 2008

NEW YORK -- To its critics, mixed martial arts is ugly and grotesque. John McCain has railed against it on the floor of the United States Senate, calling it "human ****fighting."

To its fans, mixed martial arts is exciting entertainment and a legitimate sport.

Now MMA is at a crucial point in its evolution as a business. It's currently sanctioned in 35 states and in Washington, D.C.

The most important jurisdiction not yet in the mix is New York, which has a statute that specifically bans mixed martial arts competition. To overturn that ban, the state assembly and state senate must pass new legislation, which governor David Paterson must sign.

A bill currently pending in the New York State legislature would legalize combative sports in addition to boxing and place these sports under the auspices of the New York State Athletic Commission.

Right now, the action outside the Octagon is as rough-and-tumble as the action in it.

The prime mover in the drive to legalize MMA in New York is Zuffa LLC, the company that controls UFC. Marc Ratner, who served for 14 years as executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, is UFC's vice president for regulatory and governmental affairs.

"We're the lead driver," Ratner said in regards to pushing MMA in New York. "The other organizations are just drafting on us."

Call it what you want, but MMA knows how to draw a crowd.
In November 2007, Zuffa hired Brown, McMahon & Weinraub (an Albany lobbying firm) for a monthly retainer of $10,000. It also hired Global Strategy Group, a media-relations political consulting firm best known for being utilized by then-governor Eliot Spitzer.

Subsequently, Zuffa made generous contributions to Democratic and Republican campaign causes in New York.

In early '08, Assemblyman Steve Englebright sponsored a bill in the New York State Assembly to legalize MMA. Martin Goldin sponsored a similar bill in the State Senate.

Everything seemed on track for passage. Then the democratic process intervened.

On June 11, the state assembly committee on Tourism, Arts and Sports Development met for what was expected to be a routine vote to send the bill to the entire assembly. But a second-term lawmaker named Bob Reilly had different thoughts.

Reilly, whose district includes Albany and Saratoga counties, evokes images of James Stewart in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." He's a teacher at heart, having coached track and field for 26 years, 17 of them at Siena College in upstate New York.

Speaking against the legalization of MMA, Reilly asked his fellow committee members, "We ban ****fighting and dog fighting. Should we allow humans to enter a cage to knee, kick and punch each other?"

Reilly's impassioned plea carried the day. The bill to legalize MMA was defeated in committee. But like "The Terminator," it will be back.

Proponents of MMA point to the popularity of the sport and its potential to raise revenue, both in commerce and tax dollars, for the State of New York.

Jerry Izenberg, the dean of American sportswriters, is unimpressed.

"In order to be an MMA champion," Izenberg said, "you need every skill that's outlawed on the planet. The very things we pride ourselves on not doing, these people elevate to an art form. I wouldn't even try to dignify it."

Don King expounds on that.

"UFC ain't nothing new," King said. "They started with 'ultimate' fighting, and then they civilized it and made it into boxing. All UFC is doing is taking 200 years of rules and throwing them out the window."

Meanwhile, Reilly finds himself in an unlikely position.

"I consider myself the accidental opposition," Reilly told ESPN.com. "When I came to the committee meeting, I only intended to voice my personal opposition to the measure. But when I swayed enough people on the committee to vote against it, I became the point person in opposition."

Reilly accepts the role of boxing in today's society, although he's troubled by the damage that the sport inflicts on its participants. Mixed martial arts, in his view, goes too far.

"I'm opposed to the proposed legislation because of the brutality of the sport," he said. "The people who are drawn to mixed martial arts are attracted by the brutality of it, which goes above and beyond what you see in boxing. It seems, to me, beyond logic that we in the state legislature would consistently pass laws against physical abuse and physical intimidation, everything from domestic abuse to bullying in schools, and then allow this stuff. We should not be encouraging the glorification of this kind of violence."

And for the monetary issues?

"The argument about mixed martial arts raising revenue for the state is typical," Reilly said. "But our economy shouldn't be dependent on that sort of stuff."

Reilly also notes that the real "money" issue surrounding the legalization of MMA might be the financial resources that have been brought to bear in support of the proposed legislation.

"The battle here is difficult," Reilly said. "We're up against a tremendous amount of money that's available for lobbying as a consequence of the money that mixed martial arts would generate for those who are hiring the lobbyists. Money is the driving force behind this. You see the influence of the lobbyists in the fact that, under the proposed legislation, New York would only get a tax of 3 percent of the revenue generated and whatever we get would be capped at $150,000 for each event. Rhode Island gets 5 percent."

Reilly also believes that Ron Scott Stevens was removed as chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission because he failed to embrace the campaign to legalize mixed martial arts.

On July 23, Stevens was notified by Secretary of State Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez that he was being replaced at the end of the week. Two days later, Gov. Paterson announced that Melvina Lathan (a vocal proponent of MMA) would chair the commission.

Thereafter, Dan Rafael of ESPN.com wrote, "Stevens got the boot for no apparent reason, unless you count the fact that he would not openly support the sanctioning of mixed martial arts in New York, where it is outlawed but facing serious lobbying pressure from UFC officials."

Reilly concurs.

"It's clear to me that this new person was put in her position because of her support for legalizing mixed martial arts," Reilly said. "Can I prove that? No. But if I see something that walks like a duck and it's quacking, I call it a duck."

One of the issues that the New York State Athletic Commission will confront if MMA is legalized is that the commission doesn't presently have the personnel to effectively regulate the sport. Meanwhile, the biggest problem that those against the legalization of MMA face is that no powerful interests are actively opposing the proposed legislation. The bill has passed under the radar of news organizations like the New York Times, which might influence the debate if its editorial board were aware of it.

The American Medical Association has been largely silent as well.

Indeed, Reilly notes, "This came to our committee without forewarning. It was under the radar and almost slipped through without serious discussion and debate. There was a vote. The measure was defeated in committee. And immediately after the vote, the lobbyists started working their phones again."

The bill to legalize MMA will be reconsidered when the New York State legislature reconvenes after the fall elections.

"Our representatives have continued to stay in touch with the appropriate government officials to make sure they understand the reasons why the law should be changed," Ratner said. "I feel very bullish that MMA will be approved in New York."

Reilly is afraid that Ratner might be right.

"I've gotten a lot of e-mail from fans of mixed martial arts," Reilly said. "Obviously, they're against the position I've taken. But when I talk with the people in my district, they don't like the idea of legalizing this form of brutality. The problem is, no one is mobilizing the general public on this issue, and I fear that some members of the Assembly and Senate who oppose the bill on principle will fold on this."

"That would be a shame," the assemblyman added. "I'm sure that some of the people who participate in mixed martial arts are good people. But in terms of what they do in this barbaric sport, they shouldn't be held up as role models. It would send a terrible message to the people of the State of New York -- and particularly to our children."

lkfmdc

09-18-2008, 10:06 AM

Reilly also believes that Ron Scott Stevens was removed as chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission because he failed to embrace the campaign to legalize mixed martial arts.

Well, apparently Reilly is a person who has no education on any of the facts relating to this! Pretty sad, but also pretty standard for those "law makers" in Albany :rolleyes:

Why was Ron Scott Stevens removed? How about the fact that under him everyone was sitting on their thumbs with fat, TAXPAYER MONEY FUNDED jobs and yet the commission was generating no income?

During a three year period, Spindola, former legal counsel, was making over $90,000 a year and the only thing he did was agree to one boxing match which was held in a super club and had 600 attendees, it generated less than $2000.

How about the fact that the atheltic commission was preventing people from doing kickboxing, jiujistu, sambo and other perfectly legit martial arts? Apparently the US is the land of the free, unless you live in NY and want to go to a martial arsts event :rolleyes:

How about the fact that they interfered with OLYMPIC SPORT judo?

I don't know which is worse, the corrupt commission or the completely ignorant politicians in Albany

uki

09-18-2008, 08:20 PM

I don't know which is worse, the corrupt commission or the completely ignorant politicians in Albanyhow about corrupt martial artists?

Vash

09-19-2008, 04:22 AM

LKFMDC, is the resistance to MMA a primarily political thing, or is it backed up by the feelings of the voters?

GreenCloudCLF

09-20-2008, 01:16 PM

LKFMDC, is the resistance to MMA a primarily political thing, or is it backed up by the feelings of the voters?

The people I know shouldn't be allowed to vote. I say if your IQ is below a certain number your vote should only count as 1/5th of a real vote. That way stupid people can;t stop progress.

GeneChing

10-02-2008, 09:41 AM

This is Mall vs. MMA. Even if the sport is legalized statewide, privately-owned venues can prohibit it. There's also municipal law, which could override state law in practice.

No Fighting (http://www.kulr8.com/news/local/30069884.html)
By Nick Lough
Story Published: Oct 1, 2008 at 7:26 PM MDT
Story Updated: Oct 2, 2008 at 6:55 AM MDT

BILLINGS - Rimrock Mall officials and 12th Planet owners are back in court after the mall claims the club violated their agreement.

It all stems from a mixed martial arts league renting out the 12th Planet holding monthly fights. Mall officials say an agreement between the club and mall bans live performances.

A judge, Wednesday, granted a temporary restraining order stopping 12th Planet from holding fights this Saturday. "It makes it difficult for the people that are competing; it makes it difficult for us as promoters that are trying to get something going for the city of Billings. It's lose- lose for everybody," said Fight Night Promoter Terrill Bracken.

Rimrock Mall officials issued a statement saying it's an unfortunate situation, but they say the fights are not allowed under their agreement and that they were forced to take legal action. Mall officials go on to say they hope the event is able to find a new location and is successful.

Promoters say the show will go on after being relocated to the Shrine Auditorium Saturday night.

GeneChing

10-16-2008, 09:41 AM

Interesting. This reminds me of what happened here in CA before legalization with reservation land.

Marines host mixed martial arts event barred in SC (http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9188861)
Associated Press - October 16, 2008 11:35 AM ET

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina authorities say a mixed martial arts contest set for this weekend on Parris Island would be illegal off federal property.

Jim Knight of the South Carolina Athletic Commission said the agency will inform the Marine Corps that state law bans such events. The event set for Saturday costs $20 per person.

A Marine Corps spokesman said its lawyers have looked into the event and found no problem with it, adding it will boost morale among young Marines.

Republican state Sen. Jake Knotts of West Columbia sponsored a bill in May to legalize the sport, which combines elements of karate, judo, jujitsu and kickboxing. But it never got out of committee.

GeneChing

11-11-2008, 03:50 PM

Sorry the formatting of the first piece is so messy - slag from the source.

Study shows UFC is poised to contribute millions to New York State economy (http://mma.lohudblogs.com/2008/11/10/study-shows-ufc-is-poised-to-contribute-millions-to-new-york-state-economy/)
November 10

UFCÂ® Event in New York City Would Result in $11.5 Million in â€˜Net Newâ€™ Economic Spending; Buffalo Event Would Generate $5.2 Million in Total Economic Activity

With Record-Breaking Event Attendance, Mixed Martial Arts Will Contribute Needed Tax Dollars and Tourist Revenue to Cash-Strapped Communities Around New York State

NEW YORK, NY â€“ A study released today showed that Ultimate Fighting ChampionshipÂ® events in New York City and Buffalo would have a significant impact on state and local economies by generating tax revenues, creating jobs and boosting tourism industries.

Professional mixed martial arts is one of the highest grossing arena sports in the country, drawing sell-out crowds and bringing in millions of dollars in ticket and concession sales. One of the fastest growing sports in America, MMA is regulated in 36 states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California and Florida. Legislators in Albany will consider regulating the sport in New York State when the legislative session begins in January.

UFCÂ® is the most heavily regulated of the mixed martial arts leagues. Since 2001, UFCÂ® has employed strenuous rules and regulations to protect its athletes, including medical testing and safety requirements more rigorous than those in professional boxing.

â€œAt a time when the New York economy is in crisis, it would be a mistake for the state to miss out on the considerable revenue that our events would generate. UFCÂ®â€™s popularity is surging, our fan base is expanding, and our presence is growing. We are eager to bring both the excitement of our new sport as well as its major tax and tourist revenue to New York State,â€ said Marc Ratner, UFCÂ® Vice President for Government and Regulatory Affairs. â€œWe look forward to being able to meet the tremendous demand that exists for our events in upstate New York as well as New York City.â€

â€œOur events have brought millions of dollars in tax and tourist revenue to nearly every city we have held an event in â€“ we are constantly breaking arena records for concession sales, merchandise and ticket sales,â€ said Dana White, UFCÂ® President. â€œWeâ€™re thrilled about the prospect of bringing our sport to New York and hope that legislators will recognize the tremendous economic opportunity it represents.â€

â€œThe Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau is very excited about bringing MMA and the UFCÂ® to New York State and the City of Buffalo,â€ said Richard Geiger, President/CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau. â€œEach individual event represents thousands of visitors and millions of dollars in economic impact for the city. Hosting world-class events of this magnitude are an important part of showcasing our region while generating dollars for local businesses.â€

â€œIn recent years, mixed martial arts has evolved from its beginnings into a more reformed, organized and regulated sport worthy of our review for sanctioning consideration in New York State,â€ said New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo. â€œIn the last fifteen years, it has grown into an international phenomenon. Itâ€™s long past time to look into officially sanctioning this sport in New York. More than two-thirds of the states commission mixed martial arts matches. There are significant tourist and tax revenue dollars flowing to neighboring states who are hosting these events. We need to immediately examine the potential for the sport to thrive here.â€

The full economic impact study can be downloaded at MMAFacts.com. Key findings include:

New York City:
The study found that a UFC event in New York City would generate $11.5 million in â€˜net newâ€™ economic activity: $5.3 million in direct event spending, $1.4 million in non-lodging visitor spending, and $4.9 million in indirect/induced benefits.
The study also found that significant demand exists within the local New York City area for UFC events. Of the 134 UFC events held nationwide from November 1993 to January 2009, only 12 have been within New York regional area.
Local Jobs
UFC events would produce substantial employee compensation: UFC events require over 300 staff working on the event, equivalent to the creation of 88 full-time local jobs per event.
The creation of over 88 local jobs injects $4.2 million dollars in compensation to the local economy.
Local and State Taxes
There will be direct revenue benefits for both local and state governments worth almost $1.0 M of total fiscal impacts to New York City and New York State.
Each event would generate $400,000 in tax revenue for New York City and $555,000 in tax revenue for New York State (from sales tax, hotel occupancy tax, personal income tax, business income tax, boxing/exhibitions tax, auto rental tax)
Other Local Impacts
UFC events would result in an additional 1,850 hotel night stays in New York City.
UFC events would also create additional tourism and media exposure.

Buffalo:
The study found that a UFC event in Buffalo would generate $1.7 million in direct event spending, $1.4 million in visitor spending, $2.1 million in indirect/induced benefits.
Local Jobs
An event would produce substantial employee compensation: Every UFC event requires 300 staff working on the event, equivalent to the creation of 57 full-time local jobs.
The creation of 57 local jobs injects $1.7 million dollars in compensation to the local economy.
Local and State Taxes
There will be direct revenue benefits for both the local and state governments – worth nearly $.4 million of total fiscal impacts to Buffalo and New York State.
Each event would generate $30,000 in tax revenue for Buffalo and $320,000 in tax revenue for New York State (from sales tax, hotel occupancy tax, personal income tax, business income tax, boxing/exhibitions tax, auto rental tax).
Other Local Impacts
There will be a significant net gain in Western New York hotel occupancy: The study estimates that UFC events would add 4,100 hotel night stays representing an additional occupancy of 11%.

The study was conducted by HR&A Advisors.

Martial-arts group wants state's OK to stage events (http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20081111/NEWS01/811110352)
November 11, 2008

ALBANY -- New York could be the next state to host professional mixed martial-arts events, which could result in millions of dollars in revenues and the creation of hundreds of new jobs, according to a report released Monday.
Advertisement

Thirty-six states currently allow professional martial-arts matches, as well as Washington D.C. and two Native American reserves, said Lawrence Epstein of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The group wants the Legislature to pass a bill that would allow the state Athletics Commission to regulate martial-arts matches.

Without the regulations, the events cannot be held in New York.

Mixed martial arts events include karate, kickboxing, wrestling and jiu-jitsu, a Japanese sparring method.

lkfmdc

11-12-2008, 10:57 PM

More on events in NYS

http://www.mmajournalist.blogspot.com/

GeneChing

11-18-2008, 11:35 AM

just kidding...;)

November 18, 2008
Couture Hopes NY Approves MMA (http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/willis/archives/2008/11/couture_hopes_n.html)
BY GEORGE WILLIS

LAS VEGAS--Despite all the UFC championships he has captured en route to becoming a Hall of Famer, Randy Couture has a dream he hopes to fulfill one day: fighting in Madison Square Garden.

It's only a dream for now because staging professional mixed martial arts bouts is currently banned in the state of New York.

Efforts are under way to get a bill passed in the upcoming session of the New York Legislature to approve MMA and have it regulated by the New York State Athletic Commission. Only then could Couture's dream come true.

Before losing his UFC Heavyweight title to Brock Lesnar last Saturday in Las Vegas, Couture said fighting at the Garden would be a highlight of career.

"It's a historical thing," he said. "Some of the biggest and best fighters in the history of combative sports and boxing have fought in New York state and Madison Square Garden. I would love to fight there. To say I fought in the same place as Joe Louis or Muhammad Ali would be a dream come true."

Couture, 45, is contemplating his future after losing by technical knockout in the second round to Lesnar in UFC 91. One factor in his decision could be whether New York legalizes MMA. If the Legislature approves the bill, UFC president Dana White said New York could host the first event in the fourth quarter of 2009.

A bill to regulate MMA in New York was defeated last summer by the committee on Tourism, Arts and Sports Development because of "the brutality of the sport." Much of the UFC's lobbying efforts this time around are focused on educating lawmakers on the rules and regulations that promote fighter safety.

A round-table discussion on such procedures was held in Manhattan last week with representatives of the UFC, Madison Square Garden, the New York State Athletic Commission and four lawmakers from Albany in attendance.

"It's an uneducated view that somehow thinks the sport is dangerous or barbaric," said Couture, who has been in the UFC since 1997. "If you look at our track record, it speaks for itself. We've had no deaths in the UFC. I've seen a couple of broken bones over the course of a 12-year career, one of which was my arm. Those are things that heal. You see minor cuts and all the things you're used to seeing in combative sports. You see an occasional knockout. The submission holds are very controlled. They're a very technical and tactical. They're not that invasive. Guys tap out, get up and live to fight again another day."

Later he added, "People just need to get past the initial shock of seeing ground fighting and take a real look at the tactics, the discipline and the sacrifice of these fighters."

White is confident MMA will be approve in the upcoming session. MMA is regulated in 36 of the 44 states that have athletic commissions, including New Jersey, California, Florida Pennsylvania and Nevada. UFC is also expanding globally. A group of journalists from Germany were at UFC 91 to check out MMA.

It also doesn't hurt the UFC creates big business. Though the economy is tanking, a near sell out crowd of 14,272 filled the MGM Grand Garden Arena, pumping in much-needed dollars to the Las Vegas community. The cash-strapped state of New York would reap millions on a UFC event, according to an economic impact study released last week.

The study commissioned by the UFC and conducted by HR&AA Advisors, showed a UFC event at Madison Square Garden would generate $11.5 million in economic activity and $400,000 in tax revenue for New York City. The study also showed an event in Buffalo would generate $5.3 million in economic revenues.

At the grass roots level, there are a number of well-respected MMA schools in New York, including the Renzo Gracie Academy in Manhattan. "There are a number of kids programs around the country teaching mixed martial arts," Couture said. "There's discipline, citizenship, a camaraderie that exists at the professional level all the way down."

White said getting professional MMA approved in New York is only a matter of time. "You have to educate the media, the commissions, the lawmakers, everybody," he said. "But we'll get it next year. I thought we'd get it this year, but we'll get it next year."

Then maybe Couture's dream can still come true.

GeneChing

12-18-2008, 10:12 AM

There's a consistent theme with these banning battles. One side says it's violent and the other says 'we could make lots of money...' It's interesting to me to watch that play out politically.

Council looks at lifting MMA ban (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28277869/)
By KSNW News
KSNW-TV
updated 1 hour, 24 minutes ago

HUTCHINSON, Kansas (AP) - The Hutchinson City Council is considering whether to raise its ban of mixed martial arts fighting events in the city.

The council voted 4-1 on Dec. 2 to continue its ban after police and others said they opposed holding the events in Hutchinson because of violent incidents at events held at the Grand Prairie Hotel and Convention Center earlier this year.

Mayor Trish Rose, who voted against the ban, wants the city to revisit the issue. She says the sport is popular and wants more information on the events, what facilities in town could hold the events and how much revenue the events could generate.

She also pointed out that nearby cities like Salina and Wichita already allow the events.

Council members will likely discuss the issue next month.

brothernumber9

12-18-2008, 11:58 AM

Washington D.C. just had an MMA card last Saturday the 13th. I didn't go, but some of my friends did and sais it was great. Hopefully more to come.

GeneChing

12-22-2008, 10:28 AM

I find the amateur vs. pro MMA legalization equally fascinating.

Amatuer MMA to be Fully Sanctioned in Florida in 2009 (http://www.fightticker.com/node/3749)
Submitted by Willroast on December 21, 2008 - 10:48am.
Care Sharon Robb | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
December 16, 2008

PLANTATION - Steve Bruno got his feet wet in unlicensed mixed martial arts fights known as "smokers" notorious for no-holds-barred mismatches and a lack of adequate on-site medical care. The American Top Team Coconut Creek rising star is one of many professional mixed martial arts fighters who came up the hard way.

That's all about to change thanks to a law spearheaded by Tom Molloy, executive director of the Florida Athletic Commission, and Cory Schafer, president of the International Sport Kickboxing Association. With the safety and development of the fighters in mind, mixed martial arts will be a fully sanctioned amateur sport in the state beginning in January. "

"This is absolutely groundbreaking," said John Morrison, Florida State Director for ISKA, the sole sanctioning organization designated to regulate amateur events. Morrison and other top officials, including UFC official Troy Waugh of Coral Springs, held the first of many judging and officials certification seminars Sunday in Plantation to train judges, timekeepers, scorekeepers and locker-room inspectors and help create a surplus for various amateur shows around the state.

The four-hour seminar attracted a wide range of attendees, about 60 from Florida and Georgia, including pro fighter Din Thomas, of ATT Port St. Lucie; boxing trainer and Hall of Famer Bonnie Canino; boxer and trainer Yvonne Reis; Orlando-based agent Remington Reed; and Left Hook promoters Heather Cooperman and Laura Devlin.

"There are very few states that are actually doing this program," Morrison said. "This is the start of it, we have never had this before. The popularity of it has just been incredible."

Pending on the state finalizing last-minute details, the first sanctioned show to feature both stand-up and ground game will probably be the Jan. 24 Warriors Collide 7 at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida joins California, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio and Pennsylvania with sanctioned amateur programs governed by a revised edition of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. The amateur regulations were passed by the Association of Boxing Commissioners with the help of mixed martial arts referee "Big" John McCarthy at its annual convention in Montreal earlier this year.

It was an instrumental step for the sport to move forward, Molloy said.

Two years in the making, Molloy led the effort to add the amendment to the Pugilist law that Gov. Charlie Crist signed off on recently. It opened the door for amateur shows such as Fort Lauderdale-based Left Hook Productions Warriors Collide series to add the ground game to its striking shows.
No longer will aspiring mixed martial arts fighters have to compete in unsafe, unregulated back-room smokers or underground fights.

"The emphasis is that the first five minutes, fans at a show need to see the difference between amateurs and pros," Morrison said.
"When it comes down to it, it's like a kickboxing and grappling match," Waugh said.

Mixed martial arts fighters use a hybrid of techniques from Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, wrestling, kickboxing, Muy Thai to other forms.
The rapidly growing sport continues to fill arenas and attract large numbers of television viewers, particularly among the male demographic between the ages of 18-49.

The addition of amateur cards will only help increase the talent pool and provide a farm system for several pro leagues including The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), granddaddy of them all.

GeneChing

01-07-2009, 10:27 AM

Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more

Hutchinson City Council To Vote Again On Mixed Martial Arts (http://www.kwch.com/Global/story.asp?S=9625272&nav=menu486_2_2)
Posted: Jan 6, 2009 10:29 AM
Updated: Jan 6, 2009 10:29 AM
By Megahn Snyder (HUTCHINSON, Kan.)

Hutchinson City Council members will let their votes duke it out over whether to allow mixed martial arts fights.

City leaders plan to vote on two proposals at their January 20 meeting. In the first round council members would have to decide whether to allow the fights. City Attorney Carolyn Patterson says under state law, sporting events like mixed martial arts are banned unless a city or county passes an ordinance to allow them.

During the second round, the city council will look over a proposal to require fight promoters to apply for licenses. The police chief would then decide if there's enough security to go forward with the event.

A month ago the council voted down a proposal to allow mixed martial arts in Hutchinson, but members could change their minds in two weeks.

They discussed the issue with people from several sides of the issue at a study session Tuesday. Patterson says three promoters spoke in support of the idea. The police chief told council members he'd be comfortable with the fights as long as he has a chance to review security measures. The manager of Memorial Hall, a city-owned venue that's equipped for mixed martial arts fights, told leaders she doesn't like the idea but would follow the council's decision.

GeneChing

01-08-2009, 10:49 AM

I should rephrase the topic. It's not just about legality of MMA. It's about legality of Pro MMA & Amatuer MMA.

Mixed martial arts: Utah considers creating amateur status (http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_11399818)
By Scott Sherman
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 01/08/2009 08:10:19 AM MST

The athletic commission in Utah is considering a rule change to create an amateur mixed martial arts license.

Currently, all fights and fighters in the state are licensed in the professional category, a status many promoters and fighters have taken issue with because fighters aren't able to gain experience beforehand.

Public comment is being sought to help shape the amateur license requirements. The public comment period lasts through Feb. 2.

"So far, I haven't heard anyone saying anything negative about it," said Bill Colbert, secretary of the Pete Suazo Utah Athletic Commission, which regulates mixed martial arts in the state.

Colbert said amateur fights likely will be limited to three-minute rounds instead of the customary five-minute rounds. Combatants also probably won't be allowed to stand and strike a downed opponent. Contestants still must be at least 18 years old.

Fighters who have earned significant pay from their contests or those who already have fought a professional fighter would not be allowed to claim amateur status. That would mean anyone who has previously fought in Utah will have a difficult time changing their status from professional to amateur.

Another issue Colbert said needs to be addressed is whether fighters' ticket sales will constitute payment for the fight and thus make them a professional. The practice is common with the Ultimate Combat Experience, where fighters get a percentage of profits from tickets they sell.

The rule could be enacted in March or April, Colbert said.

CFT

01-21-2009, 07:28 AM

How the ban in NYC is forcing competitors to fight elsewhere. lkfmdc's friend Carmine Zocchi is quoted in the article.

Banned Sport Gains Fans, and Seeks More in Albany (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/nyregion/21martial.html?_r=2&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink)

By PETER DUFFY
New York Times
Published: January 20, 2009

When Lou Neglia first opened his Brooklyn martial arts academy in 1974, students wanted to learn kung fu, inspired by the television show starring David Carradine. Then karate enjoyed a surge of interest after the release of the 1984 film “The Karate Kid.” Now nearly everyone who enters Mr. Neglia’s school in Gravesend wants to learn mixed martial arts, the wildly popular staple of cable and pay-per-view television.

“It’s the fastest-growing sport in the country,” said Mr. Neglia, a former world kickboxing champion, in a rapid-fire delivery that he interrupted to take a stream of business calls. “Boxing is dead.”

Mr. Neglia, 58, teaches the fighting style, which combines punching, grappling and kicking, and he is a regional promoter of the sport. In 2009, he will host five mixed martial arts events at the Tropicana in Atlantic City. Each will feature fighters from New York, where mixed martial arts competitions are banned.

It is a prohibition Mr. Neglia finds frustrating. “It doesn’t make any sense,” he said, adding that the sport “could be a major boost to the economy.” Mr. Neglia is among the many people involved in mixed martial arts who are seeking to overturn the ban.

The principal force behind the effort is the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the largest mixed martial arts association in the world.

The association, which is based in Las Vegas and is the major leagues of mixed martial arts, has hired a law firm, Brown, McMahon & Weinraub, to lobby Albany officials. It also hired a consulting firm, the Global Strategy Group, to handle media and political relations. Global Strategy advises Gov. David A. Paterson as well as many Democrats in the State Senate.

Fighters have also traveled to Albany to meet with legislators, and bloggers have organized petition drives and urged letter-writing campaigns.

Those hoping to legalize the sport face a difficult challenge. Legislation to legalize mixed martial arts died last June in the Assembly’s Committee on Tourism, Arts and Sports Development. Assemblyman Bob Reilly, a Democrat from the Albany area, took the floor to excoriate what he called a “disgusting” spectacle.

“I spoke for about three or five minutes without any intention of swaying votes,” Mr. Reilly said in an interview. But his argument that such “brutal and violent” events had no place in the state resonated with the majority, which prevented the bill from moving to the floor for consideration by the full Assembly.

To bolster its case, the Ultimate Fighting Championship released in November an economic impact study claiming that mixed martial arts events would have “a significant impact on state and local economies by generating tax revenues, creating jobs and boosting tourism industries.”

“It’s about education, I believe,” said Marc Ratner, the association’s vice president of government and regulatory affairs. “The sport will never be acceptable to 100 percent of the population. There are people who don’t like N.F.L. football. It’s personal taste. To say that it’s not right for the state to me is very wrong.”

Mr. Ratner said that the sport had changed considerably since former Gov. George E. Pataki called it “barbaric” and pushed for the ban in 1997. It is now legal in 37 of 45 states that have athletic commissions, he said. Most states operate under a set of unified rules of mixed martial arts, first adopted by New Jersey in 2000, which establish weight classes, rounds and more than two dozen types of fouls. Only one serious injury, a broken arm, has occurred in the roughly 800 Ultimate Fighting Championship fights that have been held in Nevada since 2001, Mr. Ratner said.

But Mr. Reilly, a former running coach at Siena College, points to the unified rules as one of the reasons he continues to support the ban. The sport, for example, allows fist and elbow strikes to the head while an opponent is on the ground. “I find the rules themselves speak against the sport and make a clear statement that the purpose of the fight is not to demonstrate skills but to damage your opponent,” he said.

Supporters respond that the sport attracts gifted athletes who are dedicated to true competition. Fourteen former Olympians and 17 former college wrestling champions have participated in mixed martial arts, the association says.

“They are serious, educated and passionate about what they do,” said Christian Montes, a professional fighter who operates Ronin Athletics, a mixed martial arts school on West 37th Street in Manhattan.

Advocates argue that legalization could marginalize fringe aspects of the sport. Peter Storm, promoter of what he calls the Underground Combat League, has been hosting unregulated matches in isolated locations in the city. “My shows attract fans of the sport who don’t want to go to Jersey and would rather see a fight live rather than on pay-per-view,” he said.

Bryan Vetell, 31, a professional fighter from Briarwood, Queens, said he started his career in underground matches. “There was no weigh-in, no gloves, no medical reports, no warm-ups, no nothing,” he said. “But that’s what we had to work with in New York City.”

Ending unregulated fights is one reason that Melvina Lathan, a veteran boxing judge who was appointed chairwoman of the New York State Athletic Commission in July, supports lifting the ban. “The safety aspect is a particular concern of mine,” she said.

Legislators in Albany said that a bill on mixed martial arts would probably not come up for a vote until the end of this session, which winds up in June. Members of the Assembly’s tourism committee remain divided, said Assemblyman Steve Englebright, a Democrat from Suffolk County. “I don’t think it’s shaken its image as human c0ckfighting, not among all the members of the committee,” he said.

A Senate committee did not consider a similar bill during the last session. A spokeswoman for Governor Paterson said he would not comment on the issue until a bill was passed by both chambers of the Legislature.

Carmine Zocchi, a professional fighter and instructor from Middle Village, Queens, said New York should be a showcase for mixed martial arts. “New York is supposed to be the center of the world, and it has nothing,” he said. “I have to travel four hours to fight. Why not have it in Madison Square Garden? Can you imagine how crazy that would be? It would be insane.”

A version of this article appeared in print on January 21, 2009, on page A28 of the New York edition.

GeneChing

01-21-2009, 11:02 AM

Most to the point: "UFC officials also are making a push to allow MMA in Wisconsin, South Carolina and Massachusetts. In all, 37 states have passed rules regulating MMA."

UFC pushes to legalize MMA in New York (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/mma/2009-01-20-new-york_N.htm)
Updated 10h 30m ago

NEW YORK (AP) — The biggest fight for the mixed martial arts industry will not take place in any arena this year.

Instead, it'll be in Albany, as lobbyists and industry executives try to persuade the Legislature to legalize the popular sport in New York state.

Victory for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the sport's biggest name, means staging a lucrative fight in Madison Square Garden, one of the most important venues in the country in a key market.

"Let me say how important New York is to our company," said Lawrence Epstein, UFC's general counsel. "New York is the world media center. When you do events in New York you get more attention."

Mixed martial arts is currently banned in New York. UFC failed to get it overturned last year. Similar debates have been playing out around the country, as the sport has surged in popularity: UFC officials also are making a push to allow MMA in Wisconsin, South Carolina and Massachusetts. In all, 37 states have passed rules regulating MMA.

But the Las Vegas-based company finds itself locked in a cage match with a feisty and highly regarded New York assemblyman who has called the sport "barbaric."

"What the people from Ultimate Fighting will tell you is that 'We've changed the rules and it's no longer this brutal, no-holds-barred sport that it was in the past,"' Assemblyman Bob Reilly said. "That's far from the whole story. What they don't tell you is what is allowed. Kicking to the head. Kneeing them. Sitting on top of them and repeatedly punching them in the head and face. They don't tell you those things."

New York lawmakers have not been kind to UFC. The Assembly approved legislation in 2007 that would have allowed MMA but it died in the Senate. UFC tried in 2008. The bill had the votes, but it did not make it out of the Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts & Sports Development.

This year, UFC has regrouped, rolling out a pricey study that says hosting fights in Buffalo or Manhattan would produce millions of dollars for the cities at a time when the state's economy is staggering under the weight of recession. The fast-growing UFC has retained an influential lobbying firm and deployed top executives to explain the sport to legislators.

Among their arguments: It's not as dangerous as critics claim, and is no longer the sport that Sen. John McCain once called "human ****fighting." UFC officials even cite a medical study that says MMA is safer than boxing.

"The sport has clearly evolved over the years," said Marc Ratner, UFC's vice president of regulatory and governmental affairs, who will be making a trip to Albany again this year.

"It's all about education," Ratner said. "There are some legislators who still believe it's 1995."

Ratner, once Nevada's highly respected athletic commissioner, helped thrust the UFC into the mainstream when he decided the sport had to be regulated while he was with the commission. The commission approved the sport in 2001.

But New York is clearly a huge prize.

"We're confident that we made a great case and we educated legislators," Epstein said. "The political process is always one that is difficult to prognosticate."

As UFC officials make the case, they might have one sympathetic ear — Melvina Lathan, the state's new athletic commissioner.

Gov. David Paterson appointed Lathan in July. She is friends with Ratner and used to judge boxing in Nevada when he was the commissioner. In an interview, Lathan said she enjoys MMA even though she's a boxing purist. She says it has a "bad rap."

"The rules of the game are such you get very few injuries," Lathan said. "It's time to move on I think. It is no longer human ****fighting. ... If it's given to us to regulate, I'd love to do it."

It's unclear whether UFC has the votes to get the bill passed, but Reilly doesn't care. He sits on the tourism committee and intends to stand in the way. He's an unlikely foe and a principled one, according to those who know him.

Before last June's vote, the Albany-area Democrat gave a brief speech denouncing the sport. Ever since, he has been tagged as the bill's opposition leader, even though the Assembly has a Democratic majority.

"I got into this accidentally," said Reilly, a former cross-country coach at Siena College. "This is not my issue in life. I'm very interested in agriculture."

Reilly said he'd think about allowing MMA if there were rule changes, such as if the fighters wore headgear and relied on scoring system similar to the one in amateur boxing.

But UFC objects to that. Fans likely wouldn't pay to see a tame UFC bout. Matches typically are bloody struggles in which fighters can submit, get knocked out or win on points.

In the end, the future of MMA in New York seems uncertain. The chief sponsor, Assemblyman Steven Englebright, appears reluctant to put the full weight of his position as tourism committee chairman behind the legislation.

"I am not exactly what you call neutral since I am sponsoring the bill," he said. "I am leaning toward it. If I didn't think it had promise I wouldn't have sponsored the legislation. I am also cautious because it is a new sport."

Englebright said he was looking at revenue implications for New York during these dire economic times. He said he made changes to last year's bill, including increasing the state's share of gate revenue from 3% to 10%. The bill will have a three-year sunset clause, giving the state a chance to study the sport.

"It will not help New York if, in fact, people are hurt and New York is viewed as a state that has made a mistake," he said. "Again, I am not in a hurry to try to push this through until it has been properly vetted."

lkfmdc

01-21-2009, 12:40 PM

It probably won't surprise anyone, because it IS politics, but there is a lot of dirty back room crap going on in NY on all sides and also a lot of stuff that if you aren't in the trenches you aren't going to appreciate. As much as I am PRO MMA in NY, I am against the current bill being considered.....

GeneChing

02-11-2009, 10:30 AM

Representative James H. Merrill (http://www.scstatehouse.gov/members/bios/1323863478.html) - anyone know what his take is?

SC bill would lift ban on mixed martial arts (http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/02/11/ap6037771.html)
Associated Press, 02.11.09, 08:29 AM EST

A bill allowing mixed martial arts contests in South Carolina has won initial approval.

The increasingly popular sport combines elements of karate, judo, jujitsu and kickboxing. Proponents say mixed martial arts has evolved from its no-holds-barred past to a regulated sport broadcast on TV.

The bill by Republican Rep. Jim Merrill of Daniel Island and co-sponsored by 24 other House members was sent to the full Labor Commerce and Industry Committee on Tuesday.

Merrill said South Carolina is missing out on moneymaking opportunities.

The measure would repeal South Carolina's ban on such fighting events.

A contest was held at the Marines' training facility at Parris Island in October. The state had no jurisdiction because it was on a military installation.

TaichiMantis

02-12-2009, 10:10 AM

MMA promoters concerned about amateur fights (http://blog.mlive.com/mayosclinic/2009/01/mma_promoters_concerned_about.html)

LANSING -- A state regulatory department's efforts to prohibit promoters from profiting from amateur mixed martial arts events could backfire, several MMA promoters testified at a public hearing today in Lansing.

The proposed rules, if passed, would drive amateur MMA events further underground and create an illegal industry, they said.

In a side note, the Grand Rapids Press reporter who wrote this piece, David Mayo, was busted (http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/02/press_sports_columnist_david_m.html) this week for growing 20 pot plants in his home....:rolleyes:

Kansuke

02-12-2009, 10:27 AM

He must be a good swimmer

GeneChing

02-18-2009, 10:55 AM

"With no debate, the bill won unanimous approval..." :)

Bill allows mixed martial arts contests in SC (http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9860903&nav=0RaPKTgG)
Posted: Feb 17, 2009 03:33 PM
Updated: Feb 17, 2009 03:33 PM

COLUMBIA, SC (AP) - A bill that would allow mixed martial arts contests in South Carolina has advanced.

With no debate, the bill won unanimous approval Tuesday from the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. It now heads to the House floor.

The increasingly popular sport combines elements of karate, judo, jujitsu and kickboxing. State law currently bans the fighting events.

Committee Chairman Bill Sandifer said the contests could be a moneymaker for South Carolina. The Seneca Republican noted it's already being done.

A contest was held at the Marines' training facility at Parris Island in October. The state had no jurisdiction because it was on a military installation. According to a release, general seating cost $20 each, and ringside tables cost $600.

GeneChing

02-23-2009, 04:01 PM

Pennsylvania to Allow Mixed Martial Arts (http://sev.prnewswire.com/sports/20090223/DC7402023022009-1.html)
State Athletic Commission's Newly-Approved Regulations Take Effect Feb. 27

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania has joined the growing number of states to allow Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, events, now that the State Athletic Commission has approved final regulations for the sport, Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortes announced today. The new regulations take effect Feb. 27, 2009.

"I commend the work of the State Athletic Commission on the regulations, which were crafted to ensure participant and spectator safety," Cortes said. "These efforts will assure licensure and testing of participants for communicable diseases, as well as require emergency medical care and insurance for participants. Regulation of the sport also will help ensure that events are orderly and crowd control is maintained."

Cortes noted that MMA has actively sought regulation. Pennsylvania joins a growing number of states, including New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, California, Nevada and Florida that permit Mixed Martial Arts.

The State Athletic Commission anticipates regulating four to five MMA events per month, which may generate as much as $80,000 per year in revenue for the commission. As a self-supporting entity, the State Athletic Commission receives no taxpayer dollars from the state's General Fund.

The commission and staff worked for more than a year to prepare the final regulations, which are commensurate with current boxing rules. Health and safety of the fighters and public protection are key themes of the regulations. Many facets of the sport were addressed, including age and medical requirements, fees, promoter activity, and ring requirements.

The regulations require that all professional ($22 fee) and amateur ($10 fee) MMA fighters must be licensed and take a pre-fight physical exam by a commission-approved doctor. All fighters must be at least 18 years old. Other exams may also be required, particularly for boxers over the age of 36. All female fighters will be required to take a pregnancy test before each event. All fighters also must provide an annual physical (on a commission form) as well as a negative HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B exam at the time of licensing, and exams cannot be more than six months old. Insurance is required for all fighters and referees, and an ambulance and emergency personnel with emergency equipment must be at ringside at all times.

Highlights of the promoter regulations require that all promoters must have a valid promoter's license from the commission, which costs $100 per year. All promoters must also complete a criminal background check on a form supplied by the commission (fee is $10). A surety bond of not less than $15,000 must be on file with the commission before an MMA event takes place.

As safety and fairness are primary concerns, specific requirements are also outlined for the ring. The ring must be at least 20 feet square and no larger than 32 feet square within the five-ring ropes. The ring floor must extend at least 18 inches beyond the ropes and must be padded with Ensolite, vinyl or similar closed-cell foam, with at least a one-inch layer of foam padding. Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform, with a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform. Material that gathers in lumps or ridges may not be used.

For cage events, the enclosed area must be circular or have at least six equal sides and be at least 20 feet wide and no larger than 32 feet wide. The floor of the caged area must be padded with Ensolite, vinyl or similar closed-cell foam, with at least a one-inch layer of foam padding. Foam padding must have a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the platform of the caged area. Material that gathers in lumps or ridges may not be used.

To learn more about the State Athletic Commission, visit the Department of State's Web site at www.dos.state.pa.us and select "State Athletic Commission" on the left navigation bar.
Shoot, I've lost count again... we should do a rolling total of which states are legal here....

GeneChing

02-25-2009, 11:05 AM

There are lots of links for more info on the site.

Pennsylvania Legalizes Mixed Martial Arts Fighting (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29372525/)
Events Like UFC Can Be Held In Pittsburgh

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Mixed martial arts events -- like the popular Ultimate Fighting Championship Story continues below -- are now legal in Pennsylvania and can be promoted in Pittsburgh.

Regulations much like those that already apply to boxing have been approved for MMA fights and will take effect on Friday, according to a news release from the State Athletic Commission. The state said it anticipates regulating as many as five MMA events per month, which may generate as much as $80,000 per year in revenue for the athletic commission.

Locally, Josh Koscheck is one of the most well-known MMA fighters from western Pennsylvania. Born in Waynesburg, he won the NCAA championship at 174 pounds as a wrestler at Edinboro University.

According to the new regulations, all professional and amateur MMA fighters in Pennsylvania must be licensed in the state and pass a physical examination by a state-approved doctor before they fight.

Insurance is required for fighters and referees, and an ambulance and emergency personnel must be at ringside during fights.

"These efforts will assure licensure and testing of participants for communicable diseases, as well as require emergency medical care and insurance for participants. Regulation of the sport also will help ensure that events are orderly and crowd control is maintained," Pedro Cortes, secretary of the commonwealth, said in a statement.

Other states that have legalized MMA fighting include New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, California, Nevada and Florida.

A full list of Pennsylvania regulations is posted on the State Athletic Commission's Web site. Here are some of the highlights:

# All promoters must have a valid license from the commission ($100 per year) and must complete a criminal background check on a form supplied by the commission.

# The ring must be at least 20 feet square and no larger than 32 feet square within the ropes. The ring floor must extend at least 18 inches beyond the ropes and must be padded with Ensolite, vinyl or similar closed-cell foam, with at least a one-inch layer of foam padding.

# For cage events, the enclosed area must be circular or have at least six equal sides and be at least 20 feet wide and no larger than 32 feet wide. The floor must be padded with Ensolite, vinyl or similar closed-cell foam, with at least a one-inch layer of foam padding.

GeneChing

02-25-2009, 11:08 AM

Remember these politicians when you cast your votes...

Historic MMA Rivalries, Part Five: Politicians vs. MMA (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/129309-historic-mma-rivalries-part-5-politicians-vs-mma)
by Matt De La Rosa (Contributor)
February 25, 2009

Mixed martial arts has and continues to see countless rivalries make their mark in the sport’s history books. While MMA’s origins can be traced across the corners of the globe, one rivalry nearly eradicated the sport from the United States.

Politicians have rallied against the sport, since the early days of its inception back in the 1990’s. The most recognized to do so would be Senator John McCain.

McCain’s infamous 1996 “human **** fighting” analogy has never faded away in the minds of fans and pundits and neither has his lengthy history with the sport. However, McCain’s interest had been piqued by the protests of another politician.

Calvin McCard, a local San Juan politician, opposed the idea of holding UFC 8 in Puerto Rico. He became the first notable politician to speak out against the sport of MMA and protested the event.

McCain, an avid boxing fan, took notice of the sport after watching a tape and did not like what he saw. In turn, he became the torch bearer for politicians desiring to ban the sport of MMA.

McCain aided McCard’s cause by sending out letters in order to prevent UFC from holding an event in Puerto Rico as well as to all 50 state governors, in hopes to ban the sport in the U.S. completely. While his efforts to stop UFC 8 failed, Governor George Pataki supported the Arizona Senator and banned the sport in the state of New York.

McCain and his allies would continue their battle against the sport, attempting to cut one of the primary resources—Pay-Per-View. Along with TCI (a former pay-per-view provider) owner, Neil Henry, John McCain convinced many of the pay-per-view providers to drop UFC and other MMA programming from its schedule.

McCain sat on the FCC commission, and in 1997, became Chairman of the Commerce Commission, which oversaw communications in the United States, among other issues. After TCI, Time Warner, Cablevision, and other PPV providers dropped MMA, the audience numbers plummeted.

The audience, that the UFC had been able to reach through potential PPV subscribers in the 90’s, peaked at 35 million viewers. In 1999, the number of subscribers depleted to seven and a half million potential viewers. The amount of buys diminished from 300,000 to 15,000.

With the majority of PPV revenue ripped away, the sport endured a “dark period.” From the late '90s through the millennium, MMA went underground and survived through the Internet, tape-trading, and the few satellite and cable companies with PPV providers carrying MMA.

MMA had been black-balled by politicians and regulatory bodies, because of its rules or lack thereof. In order to get into the good graces of the athletic commissions and PPV providers, the sport needed to go through some changes.

First and foremost: new rules.

Former New Jersey State Athletic Control Board Commissioner, Larry Hazzard, Sr., led the charge for the creation of a new set of rules. A major turn in direction occurred with the adaptation of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.

The SACB had begun sanctioning MMA (determined by rules submitted by the promotion) in 2000, prior to the completion of the unified rules.

Hazzard worked with the California State Athletic Commission in the drafting of the Unified Rules. California began drawing up rules based on criteria from Quebec. However, due to budget problems, the execution of the rules in California would not occur for a few years.

In a meeting in Trenton, NJ, on Apr. 3, 2001, the unified rules were agreed upon by the SACB.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission adopted the rules on July 23, later that year. The unified rules brought new life to MMA; athletic commissions and PPV providers slowly made their way back into the fold.

As of today, the sport has been sanctioned in 37 of the 45 states that hold athletic commissions, with more states to follow suit.

Since becoming the UFC’s Vice President in May of 2006, former NSAC Executive Director, Marc Ratner, has also been an advocate of working with commissions to get sanctioning for the sport.

New York seems to be one of the next states to sanction the sport, after banning it 11 years ago. However, Assemblyman Bob Reilly has lobbied against “ultimate fighting” being sanctioned in New York, dubbing it “brutal and savage.”

For every Larry Hazzard and Marc Ratner, there will be a Bob Reilly or John McCain. Reilly’s recent statements show no matter how many strides the sport makes, politicians may never be satisfied. That being said, don’t expect members of Capitol Hill to be hovering over the sport with a shovel anytime soon.

GeneChing

02-25-2009, 11:11 AM

meanwhile, back in nm

Lawmaker wants ban on cage fighting (http://kob.com/article/stories/S803970.shtml?cat=516)

New Mexico already has a ban on dog fighting and ****fighting. Now, one state lawmaker wants to outlaw cage fighting.

Senator President Pro Tem Tim Jennings is calling out the cage fighting culture, saying the sport is just as violent as pitting animals against each other.

Jennings has introduced a bill that would ban competitions where fighters can use multiple forms of martial arts.

Mixed martial arts or cage fighting combines several forms of fighting, including jujitsu, boxing and kickboxing, meaning competitors use everything from knockouts to choke-outs to win.

Cage fighting is currently sanctioned by the New Mexico Athletic Commission and regulated for safety, just like boxing and kickboxing.

But Jennings says it's all about making violence laws consistent across the board.

"We outlawed dog fighting, we outlawed ****fighting, now there is a huge push saying capital punishment is inhumane, so why in God's green earth would we be allowing human ****fighting or human dog fighting or whatever you want to call it. There's not any difference other than the glory of money," said Jennings.

Governor Richardson has not said if he would sign the bill if it passes.

GeneChing

02-26-2009, 10:53 AM

...back here in CA... :mad:

Fresno mayor wants to stop MMA fights in city park (http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11787727?nclick_check=1)
The Associated Press
Posted: 02/25/2009 10:03:05 PM PST

FRESNO, Calif.—Fresno's mayor wants to bring an end to mixed martial arts matched at a downtown park.

Mayor Ashley Swearengin has followed through on a campaign pledge to move the so-called "cage fights" out of Woodward Park. Now the promoter of two fights there last year that drew thousands of people says he may challenge the city in court.

Some residents complained about last year's fights being held in a public park but the City Council failed to block them in November.

But the city says it won't authorize any future fights in the park.

Promoter Rick Mirigian says that violates his rights because there is no city policy barring fights at the park. Mirigian has talked to attorneys and is deciding whether to sue.

GeneChing

02-27-2009, 11:03 AM

The house unanimously approves.

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009
SC legislators approve mixed martial arts contests (http://www.thesunnews.com/575/story/799758.html)

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina legislators have approved a bill lifting the state ban on mixed martial arts contests.

The House unanimously approved the bill. It requires another, perfunctory vote before heading to the Senate.

The increasingly popular sport combines elements of karate, judo, jujitsu and kickboxing. State law currently bans the fighting events.
Click Here!

Legislators say the state is missing out on the tourists and dollars such contests could bring.

Proponents say the sport has evolved from its no-holds-barred past to a regulated sport broadcast on TV.

Vash

03-01-2009, 11:24 AM

Gene, thanks for the continuous updates!

What is it looking like from a local perspective in Cali regarding the MMA situation?

GeneChing

03-12-2009, 09:27 AM

Indiana considers regulating ultimate fighting (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29637403/)
WTHR-TV
updated 2 hours, 9 minutes ago

Kevin Rader/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - A new fight is shaping up at the Statehouse, and it may be the most popular fight waged during this session.

You would think the budget, government consolidation or the fight for property tax caps might be the biggest battle this legislative session. It turns out ultimate fighting is getting the strongest reactions, though.
Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Indiana has horse racing, casinos and racinos and it could very well have another option to make money soon. A bill currently being tossed around in the House could potentially clear the way for ultimate fighting events to be staged in Indiana.

They are known to fill venues as big as Conseco Fieldhouse. Since the state would collect 5 percent of general admission and 5 percent of pay-per-view, it could prove to be profitable for the state as well.

"We actually have more fights and would like to have more throughout the industry so from that standpoint we support this," said Mike Smith, casino lobbyist.

Mixed martial arts events are known to attract large regional crowds who may decide to try their luck at gaming as well.

"We are a sport now. We don't want to be recognized as thugs and goons because we are not," said Chad Wagner, mixed martial arts promoter.

Most agree what the sport needs most is regulation.

"This will give the sanctioning body the teeth and force to make sure a fighter is taken care of. That is the number one concern we have," said John Manley, another mixed martial arts promoter.

A close number two as testimony bore out in committee Wednesday morning is that many of the smaller promoters fear the regulation that attracts the big events like ultimate fighting will destroy small local events that will not be able to meet those requirements.

"There will not be a feeder system for the big shows because you will not have any amateurs. It will be like Florida and California. They will be gone," said one promoter.

"I don't care whether yo are the biggest show or the smallest show when that combatant goes into the ring their safety should be the biggest concern of all of us," said John McCane, Indiana Boxing Commission.

The biggest change would actually come out of the ring, as the State Athletic Commission that governs boxing and all mixed martial arts would be placed under the umbrella of the State Gaming Commission.

Vash, MMA is legal in CA. I reported from the very first event held in the Golden State - see Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie - Cung Le’s MMA Debut in our 2006 July/August issue (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=660). It's actually been around longer in the Indian Casinos. There are all these micro-leagues in the Indian casinos - fighters you've never heard of - staging fights on a monthly basis. Speaking very locally, Strikeforce is based here in the Silicon Valley, which is why I attend those fights (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53448) (plus they have Cung Le and many of his fighters signed).

GeneChing

04-08-2009, 09:21 AM

Unanimously approved.

Bill regulating mixed martial arts approved (http://www.indystar.com/article/20090408/SPORTS/904080352/1004/SPORTS)
Star report
Posted: April 8, 2009

Statewide regulation of mixed martial arts received unanimous approved Tuesday in the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 160, twice amended after Senate approval last month, now goes back to its author, State Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, who is expected to file a motion to concur. This would necessitate a final Senate OK before the bill would go to the governor. If accepted, the rules would go into effect July 1.
Advertisement
Click here to find out more! Quantcast

Kruse had revised an initial proposal to include the need for medical personnel at each fight and specific classifications for professional and amateur fighters. He also dropped a crowd number limit for regulation, which had sparked debate between state promoters, fighters and Indiana Boxing Commission members.

MMA fights are expected to be sanctioned by the Indiana Athletic Commission through a new private, non-profit governing federation led by area sport activist John Manley.

GeneChing

05-07-2009, 10:06 AM

...regulation and sacntioning.

S.C. panel OKs bill to sanction MMA (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/mma/2009-05-06-southcarolina_N.htm)
Updated 17h 1m ago

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina may as well regulate mixed martial arts contests and collect the money the fights could bring, since state residents already can watch the sport on TV, lawmakers said Wednesday.

"I don't think it's any more dangerous than football," said Sen. Lee Bright, R-Roebuck, noting some of his friends are "huge fans." He said he was shocked during a recent visit to the coast, as lines formed to get into a restaurant broadcasting a contest.

The increasingly popular sport combines elements of karate, judo, jujitsu and kickboxing. South Carolina law currently bans the fighting events. A contest was held at the Marines' training facility at Parris Island last October. But the state had no jurisdiction on the military installation.

The proposal, approved by a Senate panel after no one spoke against it, would lift the ban and put the sport under the regulation of the state Athletic Commission. The measure is set for a vote Thursday in the full Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. The House approved the bill in February.

The licensing of professional mixed martial artists would include physical exams, blood tests for HIV and other diseases, and drug testing.

Proponents say the sport has evolved from its no-holds-barred past, and South Carolina should share in the profits.

Beyond boosting the local economy through hotel stays, meals and other spending, officials say it would yield 5% of ticket receipts for the state Revenue Department and another 5% for the Athletic Commission.

South Carolina would join 37 other states that have approved mixed martial arts contests since New Jersey officials created formal rules for the sport in 2001, barring biting, eye gouging, head butts, finger bending and other fouls.

Sen. Jake Knotts, who initially proposed the measure last year, said legalizing and regulating the sport would be better than having residents "going in the back woods somewhere and getting hurt." The West Columbia Republican said illegal fights are occurring now.

Michael Mersch, an attorney for a major promoter of the sport, cited a report that said the injury rate in mixed martial arts contests held in Nevada from 2001 to 2004 — about 29 injuries per 100 contestants, with facial cuts the most common, followed by hand injuries — resembled the rate for other combat sports, such as boxing. But a lower knockout rate in mixed martial arts contests suggests a lesser chance of traumatic brain injury, according to the 2006 report from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

"Some of our biggest fans are here," said Mersch, who represents Las Vegas-based Ultimate Fighting Championship. "Citizens can watch it any time they want. The only thing they can't do is see a live event."

Michael Tyler, chairman of the state Athletic Commission, said he gets calls weekly from groups wanting to promote a mixed martial arts event in South Carolina.

"It would be a huge economic impact, monetarily for the state," he said.

GeneChing

05-22-2009, 09:51 AM

Bob Reilly needs to be RNCed out.

N.Y. schedules (depressing?) date for MMA deliberation (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4193785&name=mma)
Thursday, May 21, 2009 | Print Entry
Posted by Jake Rossen

New York is positioning itself to look either very informed or very silly: On June 3, the State Assembly Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports will debate Bill 2009-B, which proposes to regulate mixed martial arts. (Two more committees need to deliberate before the bill hits the assembly floor. Hopefully not while on fire.)

John McCain-incarnate assemblyman Bob Reilly intends to present his indefensible case against regulation in what is sure to be sourced from a fumbling, pockmarked joke of a docket. (Precedent: Reilly's hysterical think-of-the-children rant, recently disseminated and picked apart like a holiday turkey.)

Every generation seems to have its moral-umbrage agenda: rock music, shock radio, comics, video games and now MMA fighting -- which mirrors the distaste for boxing at the turn of the century. The world will never be completely ****genized for everyone's tastes, and I'm not at all interested in the argument that MMA "damages" impressionable youth. Pay-per-views cost $45, and any modern television has channel-blocking features. The state has enough responsibility to own up to without attempting mass child-rearing.

Stop trying to baby-proof the world, Bob.

冠木侍

06-04-2009, 01:41 AM

Since the topic of Ny came up....

Newsday.com
New York Moves to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts (http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-spmma0412840221jun03,0,4851969,print.story)

BY KATIE STRANG

caitlin.strang@newsday.com

10:43 PM EDT, June 3, 2009
Click here to find out more!

Mixed martial arts supporters just won the first round in a fight to legalize the sport in the state of New York.

The state Assembly's Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Sports Development voted 14-6 Wednesday to pass a bill that would enable the state's athletic commission to regulate the sport. The bill will now move to the full Assembly for a vote before the end of the current legislative session.

"It's certainly a step in the right direction," said Assemb. Jonathan Bing (D-Manhattan). "The bill didn't move out of the Tourism Committee last year. This year, it not only passed, but also achieved a larger margin than I expected."

New York has long been a top priority for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, MMA's leading organization, in seeking legalization.

"We look forward to the next step in the regulatory process and a continued dialogue with legislators," Marc Ratner, UFC's vice president of government and regulatory affairs, said in a statement Wednesday. "We remain very excited about the prospect of coming to New York."

The bill's most vocal opponent, Assemb. Bob Reilly (D-Latham), said he was disappointed in the outcome.

"I believe a message could've gone out to people in New York about ending the cycle of violence in our state and building a real economy instead of looking to things like increased gambling revenue or revenue from " Reilly said.

Wednesday's vote, Reilly said, likely indicates the bill will be successful in the full Assembly. "I would anticipate that it will pass in Assembly," Reilly said.

Many MMA fans were likely encouraged by the news, but the bill's progress has also garnered support and enthusiasm from local fighters.

Matt Hamill, a popular fighter who trains in Utica, was thrilled to hear about the sport's most recent coup.

"I see this as a big step," Hamill said. "MMA belongs in New York. The studies have been done and they have proven that MMA is as safe, if not safer, than all other combat sports, and the financial benefit can't be ignored."

If the sport were to be legalized, Madison Square Garden and the Nassau Coliseum are potential venues.

"We've had ultimate fighting in Nassau County for years - it's called the county legislature," said Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi. "More seriously, though, the sport has been gaining popularity throughout the country because of television. I would support it at a venue like the Coliseum primarily in order to stop similar unsanctioned fighting and to help ensure that it's highly regulated for safety."

- With Sid Cassese

Copyright © 2009, Newsday Inc.

GreenCloudCLF

06-04-2009, 11:37 AM

Same story as above, different writer.

Potential MMA regulation passes major hurdle in New York state
MMAjunkie.com Staff, MMAjunkie.com
Jun 3, 3:29 pm EDT

Buzz up!1 vote PrintThe fight for mixed-martial-arts regulation in the potentially lucrative New York market cleared a major hurdle today.

The New York State Assembly's Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports today garnered a favorable vote for Bill 2009-B, which would call for the New York State Athletic Commission to regulate MMA.

MMAjunkie.com medical columnist Dr. Johnny Benjamin, who helped state politicians form arguments in favor of the sports and its safety, today confirmed the vote passed with a 14-6 margin.

Eleven votes were needed to pass the bill beyond the committee.

"We've cleared a huge hurdle in getting it [past] our committee," Michael Kim, assistant to New York Assemblyman (and bill supporter) Steven Englebright, stated in an email. "Until today, we had never gotten it [past] our committee."

However, before it heads to the Assembly floor, the bill must first clear New York's Codes Committee, which will inspect the legal details of the bill.

The biggest hurdle, though, was getting the bill out of the Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports. Although MMA's most prominent organization, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, entered the fight with a massive public-awareness campaign, the bill faced heavy opposition, most notably from Assemblyman Bob Reilly.

"MMA is sport with an excellent track record of being proactive when it comes to fighter safety," Dr. Benjamin said. "I'm happy that I could play a small role to help further that message."

The UFC has long desired to hold an event in New York, which lasted hosted a UFC event in 1995, when "UFC 7: The Brawl in Buffalo" took place in front of 9,000 spectators at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium.

The state banned MMA two years later.

GeneChing

06-24-2009, 09:05 AM

Bummer. I wish they would call it MMA and not ultimate fighting.

Bell rings for ultimate fighting bill (http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=813045)
Colonie assemblyman scores unexpected win when measure fails to make floor vote

By PAUL GRONDAHL, Staff writer
First published in print: Wednesday, June 24, 2009

ALBANY -- A bill that would have legalized mixed-martial arts in the state after being banned in 1997 was not reported to the floor for a vote during a flurry of activity in the Assembly chamber as it wrapped up the session around 2 a.m. Tuesday.

That essentially kills the measure for the time being, handing an unexpected victory to Assemblyman Bob Reilly, a Colonie Democrat who is the leading opponent of ultimate fighting in the chamber.

"It surprised me," said Reilly, who spoke passionately against the bill in committee earlier this month, but was on the losing end of a 14-6 vote that advanced the legislation.

The $1 billion sport that allows kicking, punching and kneeing is legal in 38 states and has resulted in 13 deaths, according to Reilly. Also known as ultimate fighting, proponents said the sport has put in place new safety measures and would pump millions of dollars in tax revenues into the cash-strapped state if legalized.

Supporters expressed optimism that the state Senate would pass a companion bill in their house before sending it to Gov. David Paterson, who hasn't publicly said whether he supports legalization.

Reilly speculated that Speaker Sheldon Silver decided to keep the bill from a floor vote in the Assembly because public opinion remains divided on the sport. "In the same year we canceled the Empire State Games, it wouldn't be good politically to approve Ultimate Fighting," Reilly said.

"This battle isn't over," he added. "I know the lobbyists will be back to push for it, but I feel obligated to continue my opposition and to make it grow."

Paul Grondahl can be reached at 454-5623 or by e-mail at pgrondahl@timesunion.com.

Ultimate fighting stalls in Assembly (http://www.syracuse.com/today/index.ssf/2009/06/ultimate_fighting_stalls_in_as.html)
by The Post-Standard
Tuesday June 23, 2009, 3:23 PM

Ultimate fighting has suffered an unexpected blow from the state Assembly.

The bill to legalize mixed martial arts prize fights did not make the Assembly's agenda as it ended session Tuesday morning. The lack of action is a victory in the eyes of Assemblyman Bob Reilly, D-Latham, who opposed it.

He said the Assembly has made a statement that mixed martial arts is violent and should not be sanctioned as a sport at a time when the state is cutting the Empire State games and selling animals from the Bronx Zoo.

The Assembly was expected to pass the bill and forward it to the Senate for consideration. Supporters say by lifting the ban, New York will reap millions of dollars in tax revenues, spur economic growth and belatedly recognize an industry that now dwarfs boxing. Opponents say the tax money won't be worth the violent impact on society of contests they consider barbaric.

It is possible that the Assembly will vote on the bill if it is called into a special session later this year, but Reilly said he will continue to fight it.

Raipizo

06-24-2009, 11:43 AM

never knew mma was illegal in any states yeah i wouldn't call it ultimate fighting..

lkfmdc

06-24-2009, 09:35 PM

I really hate when so called "journalists" don't do any research :rolleyes:

In 15 years of MMA in the US, only one person has died in a sanctioned competition, not 13 :rolleyes:

taai gihk yahn

06-24-2009, 10:30 PM

evidently this whole thing is not so much about MMA, but rather the train-wreck cluster-fu(k way that the NY State Assembly conducted its business that day - senators meeting secretly, taking over the senate chamber, all kinds of elbowing and machinating that pretty much ends up embarrassing everyone...

CFT

06-25-2009, 04:15 AM

I really hate when so called "journalists" don't do any research :rolleyes:

In 15 years of MMA in the US, only one person has died in a sanctioned competition, not 13 :rolleyes:Actually it was Assemblyman Bob Reilly who claimed this figure, though if the journalist had "gone the extra mile" he should have checked that out since it is one of the key arguments against.

He also said:

He said the Assembly has made a statement that mixed martial arts is violent and should not be sanctioned as a sport at a time when the state is cutting the Empire State games and selling animals from the Bronx Zoo.Really what has this got to do with anything? You don't get state aid to run MMA events do you? Surely it is a purely commercial enterprise like boxing?

lkfmdc

06-25-2009, 08:31 AM

Really what has this got to do with anything? You don't get state aid to run MMA events do you? Surely it is a purely commercial enterprise like boxing?

The reality is, if people run MMA in the state, the state will MAKE MONEY... that's the reason the thing moved forward at this point in time!

I can't get into it on a public forum, I was involved in some of this and know some of the players... a bill that was supposed to help more traditional martial arts and kickboxing got stabbed in the back by money and corruption, Albany is a huge septic tank, and "politics" up there is like organized crime, it's a shame our state is run by these crooks

Chief_Suicide

07-02-2009, 06:14 AM

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/mma/post/2009/05/66483151/1

Map of current states at where MMA regulation stands. Article too.

Yoshiyahu

07-08-2009, 06:47 PM

Is it possible to have Beimo fights in the USA?

GeneChing

07-23-2009, 09:18 AM

And now, Massachusetts is teetering...

Beantown legislation ready to approve MMA (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4350384&name=mma)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Posted by Jake Rossen/Sherdog.com

Kenny Florian is all smiles: The Patriot Ledger's Jack Encarnacao reports that Massachusetts' state Senate opened the door for mixed martial arts Tuesday, approving a bill that would make the sport legal in Boston for the first time.

Although the regulation still needs to be approved by the House Ways and Means Committee, the procedure appears academic at this point. UFC's Marc Ratner said the promotion is eyeing a summer 2010 event if everything goes through without incident.

Massachusetts would become the 41st state to sanction mixed martial arts, with one key differential: Each town/village/city would reserve the right to bar events from taking place within their jurisdiction. It brings up an interesting issue of micro community standards versus macro state regulation. Previously apolitical fight fans may find some reason to attend city council meetings in the coming months.

GeneChing

11-10-2009, 10:46 AM

I heard where the Wisconsin Tourist Federation changed their name to avoid the acronym. I wish the World Taekwondo Federation would take heed to that.

But back OT:

Wis. Senate approves mixed martial arts regs (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ikyXznN9xGydsVX0W3EggeggnptgD9BPJQ601)
(AP) – 4 days ago

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Senate has approved a bill that would impose regulations and fees on mixed martial arts fights.

Under the bill, every contest must have a licensed referee and four licensed judges, a doctor and an ambulance. No one could fight unless they have proof of health insurance.

Mixed martial arts and professional boxing promoters applying for a license would have to pay an annual $500 fee plus a nonrefundable $300 fee per application per event. They would pay event and gate fees up to $12,500 depending on ticket sales.

The bill also tweaks boxing regulations, including increasing the maximum number of rounds from 10 to 12 and increasing minimum glove weight to 8 ounces.

The Senate passed the measure 32-0. It now goes to the state Assembly.

Dragonzbane76

12-01-2009, 05:56 AM

mass. isn't teetering anymore. They've jumped in and now are sanctioning MMA bouts.

GeneChing

12-01-2009, 10:54 AM

You beat me to the punch on this. :)

Mixed Martial Arts Coming To Mass. (http://www.thebostonchannel.com/sports/21766934/detail.html)
Ultimate Fighting Championship Events Approved
POSTED: 8:24 pm EST November 30, 2009
UPDATED: 9:22 pm EST November 30, 2009

BOSTON -- Mixed martial arts is coming to Massachusetts.

The Legislature recently passed a bill to allow the sport, making Massachusetts the 42nd state in the country to allow the regulated competitions. The Department of Public Safety will oversee safety and medical requirements.

Mixed martial arts includes Ultimate Fighting Championship events, which are run by parent company Zuffa LLC. The sport's programming is distributed in 132 countries in 20 different languages, according to a statement.

Massachusetts natives Kenny Florian and Dana White lobbied state legislators to bring the sport to Massachusetts. Florian is a lightweight UFC fighter, and White -- who grew up in Boston -- is president of the UFC.

Events could be held as early as the summer.

uki

12-01-2009, 12:31 PM

it's getting creepier as the months go by...

GeneChing

12-10-2009, 11:11 AM

Mixed martial arts regs signed into law (http://www.wickedlocal.com/dover/town_info/government/x304322728/Mixed-martial-arts-regs-signed-into-law)
Wed Dec 09, 2009, 01:10 PM EST

Dover - On Monday, Nov. 30, an initiative to regulate the sport of mixed martial arts was signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick. Senate Bill 998, now listed as Chapter 169 of the Acts of 2009, was filed by Senator James E. Timilty, D-Walpole, whose district includes Dover, in an effort to establish a set of uniform standards and practices to regulate what has become the fastest growing sport in the world.

“I am thrilled that we were able to pass this legislation in a timely fashion. Mixed martial arts is wildly popular, and these regulations will bring us up to speed with the rest of the nation,” said Timilty.

The legislation will transform the State Boxing Commission into the State Athletic Commission, and expand its authority and membership to cover mixed martial arts; aligning the commonwealth with more than 40 states that have enacted similar regulations.

It is important to note, that prior to the bill’s passage, mixed martial arts events were being held all over the commonwealth, but there existed no set guidelines by which to operate. While studies have proven that MMA is safer than boxing, the lack of standards governing the competitions, certification of physicians, referees and participants posed a public safety risk that both the Legislature and the industry worked hard to eliminate.

“These MMA events are held in venues across the commonwealth every day, and have been for quite some time,” said Timilty. “That is why passing legislation to regulate the sport was so important. We want it to be safe for everyone.”

The opportunity to generate new revenue became an ancillary benefit to establishing these much-needed safety regulations. Industry giants such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship have fought hard for regulations in states across the country. They went so far as to adopt a business model whereby they would not hold an event in a state that has not enacted these public safety regulations. Now that the commonwealth has passed the MMA legislation, the UFC has reported interest in holding a large-scale event in Boston, and possibly smaller events in the Worcester and Springfield areas. As a component of the legislation, the state will be in line to retain a portion of the revenue from the gate and pay-per-view sales, not to mention the number of one-time jobs created and local hotel and restaurant revenues.

“The ability of the state to capture a small portion of the revenue from a large-scale MMA event was an added bonus in this difficult economy. In addition, these large-scale events put people to work, and the fans stimulate the local hotel, restaurant and shopping areas,” said Timilty.

The newly formed State Athletic Commission, under the Department of Public Safety, will be in charge of promulgating and enforcing these newly required regulations. Chapter 169 of the Acts of 2009 will take effect 90 days from the date of the governor’s signature.
"more than 40 states that have enacted similar regulations." So who's left? Where is MMA still illegal?

dimethylsea

12-10-2009, 04:20 PM

"more than 40 states that have enacted similar regulations." So who's left? Where is MMA still illegal?

New York State for one.

Fa Xing

12-10-2009, 04:26 PM

This looks like a good list (http://www.ikfkickboxing.com/USAStates.htm).

GeneChing

01-19-2010, 10:30 AM

This would be an intriguing debate. I hope it is broadcast somewhere if it happens.

"Anti-MMA sport" Martial Arts Master challenges NY Gov. David Paterson to public debate! (http://www.i-newswire.com/anti-mma-sport-martial-arts-master/18512)

Martial arts Master Christian Whitney of NJ has challenged NY Governor David Paterson to a public debate regarding the legalization of the cage fighting sport known as MMA. The debate will cover all negative traits developed in the sport.

(I-Newswire) January 19, 2010 - On January 18, 2010 Martial arts Master Christian Whitney of New Jersey sent a formal letter challenging NY Governor Paterson to a public debate. This debate is regarding why the Governor feels the sport should be made legal and if he is aware of all of the negative traits that are developed in the practitioners. Master Whitney is concerned that the Governor’s knowledge of the sport is one sided and that he hasn't heard the voice of the people who are against legalizing the sport. He is more specifically concerned if the Governor is aware of the negative facts that the sport’s promoters hide so diligently. This will certainly be a very controversial debate, should the Governor accept.

The debate would also be focusing on if it is simply being considered for revenue to the state without concern of the people or anything else. Gov. Paterson was informed that a press release would be made and that the public would be awaiting a reply. No statement from the Governor's office has been made as of this time.

GeneChing

06-09-2010, 09:20 AM

Rockwood city councilman fights mixed martial arts (http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=12615444)
Posted: Jun 08, 2010 12:37 PM PDT
By JAMIE LYNN DROHAN

ROCKWOOD (WATE) - Although mixed martial arts has attracted quite a fan base in Tennessee, a Rockwood city councilman is doing what he can to fight it.

The sport, which is also known as cage fighting, became legal in Tennessee about two years ago.

"Most fighters shake hands and compliment the fighter that they fight. It's not at all two people out trying to finish an argument. This is about two athletes coming out and competing against each other," says Kelvin Stokes, with Cage Aggression Fight League.

Stokes is a fighter and promoter of several events throughout East Tennessee. He says cage fighting is a sport for dedicated athletes, just like basketball or football.

However, Rockwood Councilman Ray Collett got city council to ban the events in city owned buildings.

Collett says cage fighting isn't in line with the image the city of Rockwood is trying to project.

"I don't like it as a sport. We don't allow ****fighting. We don't allow dog fighting. I just can't see grown men over 18 beating the tar out of each other in the ring. It's not my thing," Collett says.

Despite the negative reaction from city council, Kelvin Stokes says their events have been welcomed by the National Guard armory in Rockwood.

"Yes we will still keep Rockwood as an option and we'll keep them in our rotation," Stoke says. "We will be back to Rockwood. We will hold more events."

He says he's planning those in the coming months.
I hate the ****fighting analogy. ****s don't have a choice. MMA fighters do. ****s die after fights. MMA fighters live to fight another day. There's no comparison.

lkfmdc

06-09-2010, 01:03 PM

I hate the ****fighting analogy. ****s don't have a choice. MMA fighters do. ****s die after fights. MMA fighters live to fight another day. There's no comparison.

Gene,
the word you are looking for is COCK

I agree, it is nothing like COCK fighting

And it is always sad to see a COCK fight :D

GeneChing

06-09-2010, 01:13 PM

i'm not looking for ****. i've got plenty of ****. don't even get me started on ****. :p

mooyingmantis

06-09-2010, 02:54 PM

Ohio is still a go!

GeneChing

02-01-2011, 11:06 AM

MMA bully politician. :p

Tuesday February 1, 2011
Delegate takes on 'bully' critic in martial arts bill (http://www.dailymail.com/ap/ApTopStories/201102010681)
by The Associated Press
MCT REGIONAL NEWS
By Mannix Porterfield
The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va.

Feb. 01--CHARLESTON -- Delegate Barbara Hatfield came out swinging Monday against a "bully" angered by her opposition to a mixed martial arts bill.

Under HB2562, martial arts would fall under the supervision of the West Virginia Athletic Commission.

Hatfield didn't identify her critic, but took the House floor to say lawmakers are at liberty to speak their minds for and against any issue before them, and at all times regard each other's opinions with respect and dignity.

"We don't call people names," Hatfield, D-Kanawha, said.

"We don't rub it in their nose. And we respect each other even though we disagree on a lot of things. I hope you give me this respect."

The bill, sponsored chiefly by House Government Organization Chairman Jim Morgan, D-Cabell, also would reconstitute the athletic commission, as of July 1 to a five-member board, appointed by the governor with the Senate's consent.

Hatfield was miffed over an e-mail that made the rounds after a supporter of the bill paid her office a visit, she explained afterward.

"A bully tries to intimidate you," she said.

"A bully tries to pick you out and quotes things you didn't say."

An e-mail can include statistics that say what its creator wants it to say, she said.

"This e-mail is freedom of speech and you can say it again and again," Hatfield said.

"This doesn't bother me. This is beneath us. When this person comes into your office and throws around statistics, or whatever, and you disagree with him, he's going to e-mail things about you."

Without elaborating, the veteran legislator said things were taken out of context.

"He's going to try to discredit you with your other colleagues," she said.

"There is no place in schools for bullying. And there's no place in this House for a bully. So, when he comes to your office and you disagree with him, then you're going to get an e-mail about being an ostrich and running from him."

Hatfield said the label doesn't apply to her and she has no intention of running from anyone.

Another e-mail is likely to start circulating, saying Hatfield no longer will talk to him and she won't let him in her office, the delegate said.

"You can take that to the bank," she said.

"That's the truth."

No one mentioned it, but a typo in the draft of HB2562 misspelled "martial" arts so that it read "marital" arts. I make that typo all the time...:o

GeneChing

05-11-2012, 09:56 AM

bummer for CT

Mixed martial arts matches to remain illegal in Connecticut (http://www.theday.com/article/20120510/NWS12/305109411/-1/NWS)
By Jeffrey A. Johnson
Publication: The Day
Published 05/10/2012 12:00 AM
Updated 05/10/2012 10:36 AM

Hartford - Mixed martial arts matches will remain illegal after a bill that would have legitimized the combat sport in the state died Wednesday on the last day of the legislative session.

Connecticut will remain one of two states in the nation with athletic commissions that have yet to legalize mixed martial arts matches. Such matches are permitted on sovereign land at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino, but not in venues such as Hartford's XL Center.

Bill proponents argued that allowing MMA matches would boost the state's economy and tap into a sport with growing popularity worldwide.

Opponents have called the sport barbaric, and often invoked U.S. Sen. John McCain's remark that MMA is "human ****fighting."

"This is the first time it's been before either chamber for a vote," Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams, D-Brooklyn, said. "I think we want to take a careful look at it before we just simply approve it."

Williams told reporters he and state Sen. Martin Looney, D-New Haven, opted not to bring the bill out for a vote. Marc Ratner, the vice president of government and regulatory affairs for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the largest mixed martial arts promotions company, placed sole responsibility for the bill's defeat on this decision.

Ratner said he believed there were enough votes in the Senate for the law to pass. It did not come up for a vote in either chamber.

There is also a union component in the camp opposing the bill. The UFC has two co-owners who also own Station Casinos in Las Vegas. The gaming group owns 17 casinos and has been accused of unfair labor practices by a Nevada-based culinary union.

Lori Pelletier, secretary-treasurer of the state AFL-CIO, said Wednesday that 87 cases of unfair labor practices have been filed, and most complaints claim women and minorities have been the targets. That was one reason why Pelletier said the union argued against legalizing MMA in the state.

Ratner said the union grievances created a roadblock for the MMA bill. New York, another state with an athletic commission that does not sanction MMA matches, has a similar issue, he said.

"Out of loyalty to their brethren, they have lobbied very hard to keep MMA out of New York and Connecticut," he said.

Williams acknowledged the union issue, but said he and Looney have safety concerns. He recalled how he pulled out his smart phone during a recent meeting with MMA advocates and discovered many violent fight videos online.

Without legalization, MMA fighters, such as Nick Newell, will continue to travel to other states to fight. Newell, 26, from Fairfield County, was born without a left forearm or hand, but still fights professionally under the nickname "Notorious."

"I'd love to be able to fight and compete in my home state," he said.

Day Staff Writer JC Reindl contributed to this report.

jeff.johnson@theday.com

GeneChing

05-11-2012, 09:57 AM

Bummer for NY

May 7, 2012, 7:18 pm
State Assembly Will Not Legalize Mixed Martial Arts, Speaker Says (http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/07/state-assembly-will-not-legalize-mixed-martial-arts-speaker-says/)
By JOHN ELIGON

ALBANY — Mixed martial arts will not become legal in New York this year after the State Assembly speaker, Sheldon Silver, said on Monday that a bill to allow it would not come to the floor for a vote.

Mr. Silver, a Manhattan Democrat, made the decision after meeting on Monday with other Democrats in the Assembly to discuss the proposal to legalize mixed martial arts, commonly referred to as ultimate fighting.

“The speaker has indicated there is no clear sense of the conference, and the issue is evolving,” Michael Whyland, a spokesman for Mr. Silver, wrote in an e-mail. “Therefore, it will not come to the floor for a vote this year.”

This was the second blow in a week for mixed martial arts and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which is the largest organizer of the sport. Last week, the leaders of the Connecticut Legislature also said they were not ready to approve the sport.

New York and Connecticut are the only remaining states without laws legalizing the sport, said Marc Ratner, the senior vice president of government and regulatory affairs for the U.F.C.

“All I want is a vote on the Assembly floor,” Mr. Ratner said. “If it doesn’t pass, it doesn’t pass. Not to get a vote by the full Assembly, to me, is un-American.”

Mr. Ratner maintained that one of the biggest roadblocks for the bill was opposition by the hotel workers union in New York, which, out of solidarity with its counterpart in Las Vegas, has lobbied against legalization. The Las Vegas counterpart, the Culinary Workers Union, has criticized the owners of the U.F.C., the Fertitta brothers, for running a chain of non-unionized hotels in Nevada.

The Republican-controlled State Senate passed a bill last month to legalize the sport, for the third consecutive year. But the Assembly has blocked the legislation each year.

On Monday, Mr. Silver took an informal show of hands at the Democratic conference. An assemblyman who requested anonymity to describe private discussions said it appeared that there were more members in favor of legalizing mixed martial arts than against it. But not all members were present for the discussion.

Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, a Rochester Democrat who is the chief sponsor of the legalization bill, said he, too, believed that the number in favor was greater than the number opposed.

But Assemblyman Bob Reilly, a Democrat from the capital region who is one of the fiercest opponents of legalizing mixed martial arts, said he thought that more members were against legalizing it than in favor. Mr. Reilly said he believed the sport was too violent.

“People have said, ‘Well, it’s inevitable because of the money involved,’” Mr. Reilly said. “People have been telling me that for six or seven years. It is, for me, a victory of principle over money.”

GeneChing

12-13-2012, 10:21 AM

Interesting. GA was early in the game. UFC12 was held there.

Posted: 9:02 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012
Political fight keeps mixed martial arts out of Georgia (http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/political-fight-keeps-mixed-martial-arts-out-georg/nTSsN/)
By Jodie Fleischer

ATLANTA —

It's been called the fastest growing sport in the world, and mixed martial arts fights have taken hold in Georgia.

But a political decision to fill a vacancy on the board that oversees the sport has become its biggest fight yet.

"This is a combat sport, people's safety is on the line," said fight manager Megan Swartzlander.

The secretary of Georgia's Athletic and Entertainment Commission decides whether fighters are evenly matched and if opponents will have a fair fight.

Secretary of State Brian Kemp appointed his deputy secretary, Kelly Farr, to handle the job, vacated when the previous secretary was recruited away by the state of California.

"Because we're so critical about how we match, we're the only state that's not had a fighter die in the ring in a sanctioned fight," said Georgia Commission Chairman Don Geary, who is critical of Farr.

"He doesn't have the skills that we require, and we're not going to compromise," added Geary, saying fighters, like John Quieroz, will be in danger.

"Most people go to work in the morning, they work in front of a computer. We go to the gym and we hit each other, and we make each other better," said Quieroz.

But he and his colleagues worry the impasse between the Secretary of State and the commission threatens to kill the mixed martial arts industry in Georgia.

"That's what you do every day, that's your love, and then you're told that you're not going to be able to show off that work? I really hope they get somebody in there that's experienced, and resolve everything," said Quieroz.

But Kemp said he will not re-visit the appointment issue until after the upcoming legislative session, saying he placed Farr in the role as a cost-saving measure.

"I'm fully confident he has the ability to do the job, he's done it before," said Kemp, who told Channel 2 investigative reporter Jodie Fleischer, he didn't want to appoint someone new, and then have to fire them if the legislature forces more budget cuts.

"We're ready to support the commission. If they choose not to work with us, then that's something I can't control," said Kemp.

Critics say Kemp's decision will not save money, but cost Georgia's economy.

"People will lose their jobs, gyms will close," said Swartzlander, who worries about the hundreds of athletes, gym owners, trainers, and promoters.

"They would go to other states, they would have to shut down or they would have to find some other means of employment," she added.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has said it will only sponsor events in states with a functioning commission.

If Georgia's commission refuses to approve fights with Farr's decisions, UFC has indicated it would no longer host events in Georgia, events that routinely fill hotel rooms and restaurants. Even the 70 to 100 local events each year could be knocked out.

"When you look at total impact to the community and not just directly to the coffers? It's millions ... millions," said Geary.

Farr appeared frustrated at Tuesday's commission meeting, butting heads with commissioners several times.

"I don't know what ya'll want from me or need from me to convince you I'm qualified to do the job, but I feel I am," Farr told the commissioners.

They voted to approve a temporary fix for one month, allowing the American Boxing Commission to approve the fighter matches.

GeneChing

02-13-2013, 10:44 AM

Where is Farmington Hills again? Do they stage a lot of cage matches there? :rolleyes:

'Bloodlust' or Family-Friendly Spectator Sport? Martial Arts Ordinance Moves Forward (http://farmington-mi.patch.com/articles/bloodlust-or-family-friendly-spectator-sport-martial-arts-ordinance-moves-forward)

One Farmington Hills family urges officials to reconsider tough rules for event promoters and oppose the ordinance's 'adults only' requirement.

By Joni Hubred-Golden
5:59 am

Whether mixed martial arts is family-friendly or a "bloodlust" event, a new Farmington Hills ordinance governing it and similar sports took one step closer to approval Monday night.

City council members approved on first reading an ordinance that governs "boxing, wrestling, karate and/or other similar martial arts". It will come back for final approval at the council's Feb. 25 meeting.

The ordinance, which has been under discussion since late last year, sets up rules for amateur events. The State of Michigan has established rules for professional martial arts bouts.

Mayor Barry Brickner raised concerns over whether the ordinance would affect local martial arts schools. City attorney Steve Joppich recommended adding language to a section that carves out exceptions for the city and educational institutions, so those businesses are exempted as well.

Requirements for others include a detailed application, providing adequate emergency medical personnel and private security, along with a hefty deposit and clean up bond. One Farmington Hills resident said regulating mixed martial arts, which may include "cage fighting", simply invites promoters to apply.

"A cage fighting ban would protect the health and safety of the citizens of Farmington Hills," Mary Johnston said. She pointed out the ordinance does not specifically mention cage fighting, which she described as a "bloodlust" sport that "should be as illegal as dog fighting ... We cannot and should not allow these public spectacles to be introduced into Farmington Hills."

But one Farmington Hills family urged council members to take a closer look at mixed martial arts before enacting such tough regulations.

North Farmington High junior Marc Goldberg called the required deposit "unreasonable", adding "I think the city council knows it. The purpose is to scare promoters away from the city."

He and his parents Kelly and Marshall Goldberg, who are students at Farmington Martial Arts, said they watch mixed martial arts as a family. Marc urged officials not to stereotype fans of the sport; he pointed out that he and friends who enjoy it are musicians, honor students and volunteer in the community.

Kelly and Marshall Goldberg both took issue with the ordinance limiting attendance at events to those over age 18, which they said usurped their rights as parents to decide what is best for their children.

"If my kids are interested in a particular sport, then I should be able to take them," Marshall Goldberg said.

Council member Richard Lerner said that part of the ordinance is designed to cover promoters who serve alcohol at their events. "That's looking out for public safety, which is what we have to do," he said.

The rules are not only about what goes on between the combatants, council member Ken Massey added, "it's what can happen in crowds when you serve alcohol with that."

Correction: The Goldberg family members quoted are students at Farmington Martial Arts, which is owned by Jeff and Connie Duncan.

GeneChing

02-27-2013, 10:49 AM

'MMA Cage Fighting is the child porn of sports'....:eek: I got McCain's 'human ****fighting' analogy, but child porn? And meth labs? Seriously?

Lawmaker Compares Mixed Martial Arts to Child Porn, Wants Sport Outlawed in South Dakota (http://nesn.com/2013/02/lawmaker-compares-mixed-martial-arts-to-child-porn-wants-sport-outlawed-in-south-dakota/) by NESN Staff on Tue, Feb 26, 2013 at 9:50PM

America, meet Republican South Dakota Representative Steve Hickey.

Now in his second term in the South Dakota State Legislature representing the 9th District, Hickey was previously a member of the state’s House of Representatives. Hickey also has some very interesting views on mixed martial arts, and a very interesting analogy to express those views.

“Decent and civil societies have to draw the line somewhere … with smoking we draw the line after tobacco and before pot; with ‘adult entertainment’ we draw the line at child porn,” Hickey recently wrote on his blog. “Where do we draw the line with violent entertainment? I suggest we draw the line at cage fighting.”

“MMA Cage Fighting is the child porn of sports.”

With these words Hickey is proposing that South Dakota effectively ban the sport in the state. As an alternative, he cites examples like boxing and football, which contain violent content but are regulated by governing bodies to rein in some of that violence.

Most of Hickey’s argument is standard fare with the conservative censorship crowd. He uses pornography as an analogy with violence, arguing that, like porn, people become desensitized to violence over time. And, of course, MMA is a very public form of violence.

Hickey is largely motivated by Senate Bill 84, which would regulate the sport in the state while simultaneously opening of avenues to bring more cage matches to South Dakota. On this point, Hickey compares the sport to meth labs, rhetorically asking if, because meth is popular, meth labs should be legalized and regulated by the state.

It remains to be seen if Hickey’s 1,600-word opus will have any bearing on the fate of the bill. But one thing’s for sure: The lawmaker just earned himself more attention that he’s ever had before.

Vash

02-27-2013, 11:04 AM

That's mildly surprising. That he stopped at child porn and meth, I mean. Figured he'd go into something about webstreaming gay marriages.

And I'd suggest someone show him a list of traumatic head injuries related to boxing and football as compared to MMA, but I'm guessing for the Right Honorable Whoever science = deviltry.

GeneChing

07-16-2013, 11:04 AM

Martial arts matches legalized, to be regulated (http://www.theday.com/article/20130712/NWS12/307129924/1018)
By Johanna Somers
Publication: The Day
Published 07/12/2013 12:00 AM
Updated 07/12/2013 12:33 AM

Malloy signs bill into law; region's lawmakers are divided on issue

Hartford - Gov. Dannel P. Malloy legalized amateur and professional mixed martial arts on Thursday by signing House Bill 5277.

The unarmed combat sport will be controlled similarly to boxing, according to the bill. Licensing, taxes, match rules, ticket prices, minimum age limits and violations will be regulated. The Mohegan Sun Casino and Foxwoods Resort Casino already have mixed martial arts along with 48 other states. MMA fighting includes grappling, kicking, jujitsu and striking.

Five lawmakers from southeastern Connecticut voted against the bill, while seven voted in favor and one lawmaker was absent from the vote.

State Rep. Tim Bowles, D-Preston, who voted in favor of the bill, said he honestly would like to reassess his position.

"In terms of contributing to a violent culture I am concerned about that and it's a bill that I tend to regret," Bowles said on Thursday.

But he added, it can already be viewed in Connecticut at the casinos and the state already has other violent sports such as boxing.

Legislators from Bridgeport were some of the strongest advocates for the bill and said the sport would help their region economically.

"I think it really had to do with the convincing argument that there could be some economic benefits in cities by having that entertainment," Bowles said.

State Sen. Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, who voted against the bill, said she was highly opposed to MMA and remains opposed even after a related bill was signed by the governor that would require people contracting MMA competitors to cover their health care costs that arise from participating in the activity.

"I am disappointed that the governor signed it, but I also understand the politics," she said. "It's certainly not something I am interested in attending."

Some legislators in favor of MMA have argued that it at least would be regulated.

One regulation gives the state's Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection commissioner the right to refuse a license to an operator planning an event in a community where there is a local ordinance prohibiting MMA. Other regulations include prohibiting betting on MMA matches; prohibiting matches on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day and Veterans' Day; and prohibiting anyone under age 18 from engaging in a professional MMA match and anyone under age 16 from participating in an amateur MMA match. Minors can attend an MMA match or boxing match as long as a parent or guardian accompanies him or her.

Last month the Senate passed the bill, 26-9, and the House passed it, 117-26.

Voted no: Stillman, state Reps. Edward Moukawsher, D-Groton; Diana Urban, D-North Stonington; Elissa Wright, D-Groton; and Betsy Ritter, D-Waterford.

Voted yes: State Sens. Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington; Cathy Osten, D-Sprague; Art Linares, R-Westbrook; and state Reps. Kevin Ryan, D-Oakdale; Edward Jutila, D-East Lyme; Ernest Hewett, D-New London; and Bowles.

Absent: State Rep. Brian Sear, D-Canterbury. Nice that they got health care.

GeneChing

09-05-2013, 10:14 AM

Now it's on the municipal level

September 04, 2013 10:28 a.m.
Council on mixed martial arts event: ‘Enough fighting already’ (http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/fightpark-NAP-09062013:article)

Naperville officials this week made it clear that they want no part of an American Predator Fighting Championship mixed martial arts event scheduled next month on the city’s northwest side.

City Council members Tuesday night erected a virtual “no parking” sign when they turned down a request for use of vacant city-owned property to provide extra parking for the anticipated turnout of 2,000 spectators for the fights at Players Indoor Sports on Oct. 19. Mayor A. George Pradel cast the sole vote in support of the application.

Although the eight council members didn’t hide their reluctance to support the event through provision of free parking on Quincy Avenue just across the railroad tracks from Players, Police Chief Bob Marshall said his inquiries had found no problems with similar tournaments in Naperville and nearby towns in the past.

“They did hold one of these events at the Holiday Inn about a year and a half ago, and there were no issues,” Marshall said.

Councilman Doug Krause said the risks of granting the request needed close consideration all the same.

“You’ve got people who are going to be drinking at this thing, coming out of that lot, plus walking down Quincy,” he said.

Quincy has no sidewalks, Krause added, also noting that the lot is not lighted and opining that the absence of a plan for traffic and parking control is “not very good.”

City Attorney Margo Ely said she had no concerns about the city’s liability related to the event. Despite her statement, and the city’s existing insurance coverage, officials were not reassured.

“There’s still exposure,” City Council member Steve Chirico said. “If there’s something that happens, yeah, we won’t get sued or whatever, and that’s fine. But still, there’s a reflection on the city. You can’t really insure a reputation. When you have these kinds of things that happen, we look bad. It’s not really covered under our insurance.”

Doug Krieger, city manager, said the potential risk to the city’s image is “difficult to quantify, but absolutely is very real.” He also pointed out that while the parking would come at no cost, the promoter must share 3 percent of gross receipts with the city as an entertainment tax. If the request is turned down, he said, other parking arrangements would have to be made.

APFC promoter Rich Sildal, whose plans fall under the city’s permitted uses for the location, said he’ll hold an event for a smaller crowd at Players, which has 285 parking spaces on its property, if the city won’t let him use the parking lot. City code requires 670 parking spaces for the expected head count, and the vacant lot would furnish about 400 of those, according to staff estimates.

Sildal, a Roselle resident who said his son attends Naperville North High School, described mixed martial arts as a mixture of football, boxing, hockey and alcohol, with music added into the mix. He said it’s the fastest-growing sport in the world, and is aired in Naperville bars every weekend.

“Knock on wood, we’ve done 25 shows and haven’t had a problem yet,” he said.

Councilman Bob Fieseler wasn’t convinced.

“We’re knocking on wood potentially at Naperville’s expense,” he said, expressing concern that letting the event proceed as planned would threaten the improvements seen over the past year in the city’s late-night crime downtown.

Fieseler insisted that the council must use all legal means at its disposal to prevent the event from happening.

“The whole thing is just bizarre to me,” he said to Sildal. “Shame on Players for even bringing this into Naperville. God bless you, do it where people, I guess, are able to stand it.”

Councilman Paul Hinterlong said agreeing to the free parking request would amount to the city becoming a de facto promoter.

“I don’t like the use whatsoever. We had issues of fighting down at BlackFinn (American Saloon) and our downtown, and this isn’t much different except we’re putting them in a cage,” said Hinterlong, suggesting the cage offers the only difference between an outlawed event and a legal one. “I don’t want that here. Enough fighting already. ... I don’t think it’s an image we want. We decided not to have tattoo parlors, we decided not to have video gambling. I rank this right up there.”

Council member Joe McElroy said while he appreciates knowing there have been few troubles during cage fighting events in the past, he nonetheless had qualms about this one.

“I’m wondering what happens after the event is over, and the estimated 2,000 attendees leave the American Predator Fighting Championship Mixed Martial Arts event. Where do they go?” said McElroy, who predicted that “some percentage” of the visitors will likely go downtown. “And given the fact that alcohol is being served, having once been a young guy myself, it concerns me, frankly, that’s all.”

Marshall said the two officers assigned to patrol the event inside will maintain order, with reinforcements if deemed necessary to see that it all ends well.

“Our hope is when the event is over, those 2,000 people will leave peacefully,” Marshall said.

Dragonzbane76

09-05-2013, 04:07 PM

wow talk about living in bible belt 1940.

GeneChing

04-09-2014, 08:42 AM

It's '****fighting' former presidential candidate John McCain on MMA again, featured in Forbes no less.

Robert J. Szczerba Robert J. Szczerba Contributor
Tech 4/03/2014 @ 7:18AM 1,867 views
Mixed Martial Arts and the Evolution of John McCain (http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertszczerba/2014/04/03/mixed-martial-arts-and-the-evolution-of-john-mccain/)

In 1996, Arizona Senator John McCain famously categorized the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as nothing more than “human ****fighting” and made it his personal agenda to ban it from the airways. However, by 2007, McCain seemed to have softened a bit by saying the “sport has made significant progress.” Flash forward to 2014, and the same Arizona Senator can be seen working closely with MMA promoters to fund brain injury research at the Cleveland Clinic. Even more surprising was his comment that he absolutely would have participated in MMA as a young man in the Navy if it were around.

MMA is a full-contact sport that allows the use of striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, from a variety of other combat sports. It consists of several different disciplines including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, wrestling, boxing, karate, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. The granddaddy of MMA is the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), but there are a number of popular, regional promotions as well.

So, what spawned this dramatic Senatorial turnaround from MMA antagonist to advocate? According to Linda Shields, the talented and energetic founder of New England’s popular Cage Fighting Extreme (CFX), “MMA’s little talked about secret is its increased focus on safety.”

Shields explained, “MMA was originally promoted as a competition to find the most effective martial art techniques for real, unarmed combat situations. Because of this, competitors were pitted against one another with minimal rules, as would be the case in actual combat situations.” MMA debunked a lot of fighting myths and showed the reality of what would and wouldn’t work in an actual fight. The sport has seen increased popularity with a pay-per-view business that makes it one of the fastest-growing sports in America. “Whether at the national or regional level,” Shields added, “safety is built into the all our rules and procedures.”

Let’s not kid ourselves here. No one should think that MMA is not a dangerous sport and that serious injuries don’t occur. Every fighter who steps into the ring understands the risks. However, over the past 20 years, real progress has been made to minimize these risks to ensure safer competition for the athletes while still entertaining the fans.

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William Nineve battles John Havel in a CageFX MMA event. (Image credit: CageFX)

To help us understand the safety elements that go into each match, we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. David Worman, who has a unique MMA perspective. Not only is Worman an MMA CageFX champion, he’s also an orthopedic surgeon.

Worman explained, “Most of the injuries occur not during the actual competition, but during training. When I watch organized MMA fights, I’m always amazed that there aren’t more injuries. A lot of that has to do with all of the safety precautions that go into these productions.”

The precautions begin months before the actual event and start with the fight promoter. First, the promoter picks two fighters that should be evenly matched in training level and experience. Then the fighters and the coaches get to evaluate the opponent and decide whether they want to accept the match-up. The fighters then have months to train and prepare for that single fight. They are put through a rigorous medical screening for anything that would place them at increased risk for serious injury (dilated eye exam, EKG, CT scan of the brain, physical exam, and blood work for communicable disease, etc.) before they can even show up for the weigh-ins.

“What the casual observer doesn’t understand,” explains Worman, “is that these events are not street brawls or bar fights. The competitors are closely matched in size and are protected with groin cups, mouth guards, and small gloves. They are entering into a padded, contained, and protected arena.” At anytime, a fighter, his corner men, or the ref can immediately stop the fight verbally, or by simply by tapping the mat or his opponent. Outside the cage there are first responders and a physician waiting to care for the participant should an injury occur.

The safety measures continue after the fight as well. Any fighter who does receive an injury serious enough to warrant medical treatment, such as a fracture, cut, or most significantly, a concussion, will be suspended from competition for a minimum amount of time and until cleared by a physician to participate again.

“None of this eliminates the risk of this sport,” added Worman, “but I think the preparation, planning, and precautions that are taken before, during, and after a production, make these events as safe as possible, while still maintaining the ideal of ‘combat sport’ that draws the fans and competitors to MMA.”

At the age of 77, John McCain seems to have lost his chance to participate in an MMA cage match. However, if a challenge came from one of his Senate colleagues across the aisle, it might be a pay-per-view event for the ages – an event I’m sure Shields would love to promote.

Robert J. Szczerba is the CEO of X Tech Ventures and author of the Forbes column “Rocket Science Meets Brain Surgery.” Follow him via Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
Oh sure...I would have done MMA as a young man in the Navy if it were around too. :rolleyes:

Syn7

04-09-2014, 10:16 PM

McCain had good points back in the day, even if the rhetoric was over the top. So yeah, he used it to build political capital, but he did have a part in encouraging promoters(ufc) to regulate the sport properly. The way it is now, you can't really complain. The rule set is prohibitive where it needs to be, and then some, and clearance is about where it is in any sport. Half assed at best. Now it's time to ruin it with middle men and oversaturation.

GeneChing

01-29-2015, 10:09 AM

Tiger Claw (https://www.tigerclaw.com/home.php)'s east coast office is in TN.

Professional boxing and mixed martial arts in danger in Tennessee (http://www.wjhl.com/story/27968654/professional-boxing-and-mixed-martial-arts-in-danger-in-tennessee)
Posted: Jan 28, 2015 8:31 PM PST Updated: Jan 28, 2015 8:39 PM PST
By Aniseh Hamour, Weekend Anchor/Digital Journalist

http://wjhl.images.worldnow.com/images/6568421_G.jpg

TRI-CITIES, TN (WJHL) -

Professional mixed martial arts fights and boxing matches may be a thing of the past for Tennessee fighters. The Tennessee General Assembly has decided to cut funding for regulation of combat sports.

The Tennessee Athletic Commission regulates professional combat sports like boxing, MMA, and kickboxing. And since the commission has not been profitable for four of its six years in existence, it will be disbanded on June 30th.

Local fighters say they're worried that they won't be able to fight professionally in the state of Tennessee if the commission isn't extended for another year.

“I've been boxing for 16 years, just made my way through the amateur ranks to get here, turned pro.” 24 year old Charlie Watson said careers are on the line if the Tennessee Athletic Commission is cut.

“It's going to take away a lot of money, a lot of time for people who are trying to make a career out of this,” he said that's mostly because it'll force professional boxers and MMA fighters out of state.

“They're worried about where they're going to box. Here we are, we're going to have to go out of town,” said Scott Vance, Head Boxing Coach for Bang Bang Promotions.

“The commission has not been profitable…Every year the commission is in the red.” According to the state, the decision to wind down the Tennessee Athletic Commission comes down to dollars and cents.

“Each of these commissions, by state statute, all have to justify their existence by being self-sufficient… So the Tennessee Athletic Commission is not self-sufficient, the expenses outweigh the revenues,” said Kevin Walters, Communication Director for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

But those involved say they have money on the line too.

“The promoters who are holding events here, they've invested so much money into the cages and rings and now it's being taken away from them,” said Casey Oxendine, MMA coach and owner of Team Oxendine.

Others worry that the state won't stop with combat sports.

“If they do it with the athletic commission today, what keeps them from doing it to the cosmetology board or the alarm security board or any other profession in the future,” said Todd Murray, a former MMA supervisor.

Those involved in combat sports in Tennessee have banded together to lobby for action from the state legislature.

“It would be a year extension [of the commission], and upon that we would be able to move forward and try to change some of these things and make it profitable,” Oxendine said.

They hope that bringing a nationally televised fight to the state would make enough money to save the sport, a sport that some say saves lives.

“It keeps people off the streets. I know a bunch of kids that if they didn't have boxing, they wouldn't have anything. It's a lifestyle for people, it keeps us in the gym, out of trouble, bad neighborhoods, things like that,” Watson said.

If no legislation to extend the Athletic Commission is on the books by February 12, the General Assembly will have to come up with another way of regulating the sport.

GeneChing

02-02-2016, 11:51 AM

7th time is a charm. ;)

NY Senate votes for 7th time to legalize mixed martial arts (http://pix11.com/2016/02/02/ny-senate-votes-for-7th-time-to-legalize-mixed-martial-arts/)
POSTED 5:24 AM, FEBRUARY 2, 2016, BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s Senate has voted again to legalize and regulate professional mixed martial arts.

The Republican-controlled Senate for the seventh straight year has voted to end the state’s ban on the sport.

New York is the only state that still prohibits professional matches, though fighters train at many gyms around the state and amateur cards are held.

The legislation would put MMA under the control of the State Athletic Commission, which regulates professional boxing.

A companion bill is gathering sponsors in the Democrat-controlled Assembly, which hasn’t passed the legislation before.

Recently added provisions would increase required insurance for injured fighters and authorize state authorities to recommend a funding mechanism for long-term care of fighters who develop degenerative brain conditions from injuries in the ring.

GeneChing

03-23-2016, 11:07 AM

It's looking good for NYC. Which league will be the first to stage a fight in the Garden?

New York to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts (http://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-legalizes-mixed-martial-arts-1458686571)
N.Y. state Assembly passes bill allowing MMA, ending a yearslong legislative battle over the sport

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Wilson Reis of Brazil lands a right against Dustin Ortiz of the U.S. in their flyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Newark’s Prudential Center in January. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

By ZOLAN KANNO-YOUNGS and ERICA ORDEN
Updated March 22, 2016 9:26 p.m. ET

ALBANY—Hours before the New York state Assembly passed a bill Tuesday to legalize mixed martial arts, the president of an MMA major league was already planning events with venues across the state.

Scott Coker, president of Bellator MMA, said he had waited long enough to capitalize on New York—the last state in the U.S. to move to legalize the sport.

“There’s been a lot of false starts in the past, so now people really realize it’s going to happen,” Mr. Coker said. “The phone’s been ringing today.”

The Democratic-controlled Assembly passed the bill 113-25 after three hours of often raucous debate. The Republican-led Senate already passed a version of the bill. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, indicated he would sign it into law.

The move signaled an end to a yearslong battle in Albany for the forces of MMA. Many in the Assembly want nothing to do with what they describe as an unacceptably violent sport.

With the passing of the bill, many promoters, fighters and venue officials with connections to New York are ready to take advantage of the market for the first time since the sport was outlawed in the state in 1997.

“If you just look at the demographics and the martial-arts community there in New York City, I think it’s going to be a big supporter of MMA and a big hit,” said Mr. Coker, who added he has been talking in recent days to officials at Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center and arenas upstate.

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Randy Brown, right, of Jamaica throws a kick against Matt Dwyer of Canada in a welterweight bout at Prudential Center. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

He said Bellator, owned by New York-based Viacom, is targeting August for its first event in the state.

“We’re in constant communication with the marquee MMA content providers and plan to bring the best of the sport to Brooklyn and deliver the fights that fans want,” said Brett Yormark, chief executive of Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment, which oversees business operations and marketing for Barclays Center.

A spokesman from Madison Square Garden said MSG “will now have the opportunity to host the first-ever UFC event by year’s end.…”

For three hours on Tuesday afternoon, Albany legislators touched on everything from “fight clubs” to violent videogames, to slavery, to traumatic brain injuries. The topics of discussion incorporated even pornography.

“You have two nearly naked, hot men trying to dominate each other,” said Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell, a Manhattan Democrat who is openly gay. “That’s gay porn with a different ending.”

But some politicians have supported MMA. Brooklyn borough President Eric L. Adams said legalizing the sport is “about dollars and making sense.”

“All over, every state but New York has MMA, and for people to deny New York, it basically states that we’re doing economic development for every state but New York state,” Mr. Adams said.

MMA will be under the supervision of the New York State Athletic Commission, which also supervises boxing. The legislation requires health insurance that covers life-threatening injuries and guarantees revenue for the state. Venues will be allowed to hold events 120 days after the bill is signed into law.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship—the biggest player in mixed martial arts—has said MMA would generate more than $68 million annually in economic activity in New York, nearly half of that in upstate cities.

“New York’s amazing arenas—upstate and downstate—have worked with us to advocate passage of this bill,” said UFC chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta. “So, too, have restaurants, hotels, businesses and others who recognize the economic value professional MMA can bring to New York.”

He said he UFC was aiming to hold up to two events in the state before year’s end.

The regional director for SMG, a venue-management group, said he is planning to hold UFC events this fall at the Times Union Center in Albany.

“The first major event that comes into this facility, with our 17,000 capacity, I don’t think there’s any question if there’s a championship-style event that will sell out all 17,000,” said Bob Belber, who also oversees arenas in Syracuse and Rochester.

Mr. Belber said he would prioritize MMA over other sports, including the Albany Devils, the affiliate of the New Jersey Devils.

“If that means we have to go to our hockey team who might hold a weekend date, and ask them to move off the date so we can host an MMA event, we would provide the hockey team with a comparable date,” Mr. Belber said.

Many promoters in New York City said the most important part of the bill is that it would regulate MMA at the amateur level, which has been legal but run without health requirements.

Mike Washington, owner of the New York Fight Exchange, a Long Island amateur MMA circuit, said the bill would get rid of “wild west promoters” who don’t pay for ambulance crews and other health support for fighters.

Mr. Washington added that he is already getting calls from his former fighters who left the state to turn professional.

The current Bellator light-heavyweight champion, Liam McGeary, said he can’t wait to fight in New York, where he resides.

“I’ve fought in the West Coast, I’ve fought in the middle of America,” said Mr. McGeary, who lives in Brooklyn. “To be able to fight in the state I call my home would be incredible.”

Write to Erica Orden at erica.orden@wsj.com and Zolan Kanno-Youngs at Zolan.Kanno-Youngs@wsj.com

Kellen Bassette

03-23-2016, 02:13 PM

Finally, a small step in the right direction for the least free state in the Union.

GeneChing

04-25-2016, 08:09 AM

The cage in the big apple. :cool:

New York Legalizes Professional Mixed Martial Arts Fights
April 15, 20162:49 PM ET LAURA WAGNER

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo (center) signed into law a measure that will allow professional mixed martial arts in New York. Behind him are UFC athletes Chris Weidman (left) and Ronda Rousey.
Mark Lennihan/AP

New York has ended its ban on professional mixed martial arts — the last state in the U.S. to do so — and the Ultimate Fighting Championship wasted no time in announcing a match at Madison Square Garden.

The league said it will host a major pay-per-view event at the storied venue on Nov. 12.

"Our commitment to bringing incredible live events to New York starts immediately," UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said at Thursday's bill-signing event with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The governor echoed that sentiment.

"It's time to bring mixed martial arts competitions to the New York stage. With venues like Madison Square Garden, New York truly is the international icon for great sporting events, and we're excited to begin a new chapter of MMA in the Empire State," Cuomo said in a statement.

UFC (https://twitter.com/ufc/status/720624519367360512/photo/1) Verified account
‏@ufc
Hey @TheGarden: Let's do this 👊

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgAsLQkUIAAOl8F.jpg

RETWEETS 1,265 LIKES 1,410
7:47 AM - 14 Apr 2016

Ending the 1997 ban on pro MMA fights will also "close a statutory loophole under which unregulated and unsupervised 'amateur' mixed martial arts competitions had been occurring in New York State," the statement read.

With mixed martial arts contests newly under the purview of the New York State Athletic Commission, the governor's office touts that the industry will bring in $137 million, once it is operating at "full programming capacity."

The law also ensures the athletes' safety — at least to the extent that a sport where competitors kick and punch each other into submission can be safe.

In New York's semiregulated amateur MMA circuit, fighters were allowed to compete without being tested for blood-borne illnesses like HIV or hepatitis C, as Deadspin wrote when it reported on the MMA legalization bill in 2014.

In a sport where blood is nearly as inevitable as winning and losing, not testing athletes for such illnesses is a concern.

Deadspin wrote:

"The problem is that while these fights are nominally regulated by private organizations, some of them are, in practice, not regulated at all. That's why fighters can compete in New York with HIV, hepatitis C, and other conditions that would prevent them from getting in a cage anywhere else in the United States."
It also noted that some of the amateur events did not have doctors on scene, instead relying "on paramedics, acupuncturists, or calls to 911 operators."

After citing the number of jobs MMA will create and the revenue dollars it will draw, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan said in the statement from the governor's office: "More than that, this bill will help safeguard the health and welfare of these professional athletes."

GeneChing

11-08-2017, 08:54 AM

This is about federal regulation, not state.

Don’t Let Congress Put a Choke Hold on Mixed Martial Arts (http://www.nationalreview.com/article/453437/mixed-martial-arts-faces-takeover-federal-regulators)

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MMA fighters Chris Weidman (left) and Luke Rockhold during a match in December 2015. (Photo: Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports)
by JOHN FUND November 5, 2017 6:32 PM @JOHNFUND

Trial lawyers and unions back federal regulation of America’s fastest-growing sport, which is already regulated by the states.

Congress is right in the middle of debating tax reform. Obamacare desperately needs legislative action. U.S. interests are threatened in unprecedented ways by weapons programs in Iran and North Korea. And this coming week, the U.S. House will hold its second hearing in less than a year on a bill to put mixed martial arts under federal supervision and control. What is wrong with this picture?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a great American success story. Almost unknown 15 years ago, it is now the fastest-growing sport in America. Fans love seeing a full-contact combat sport in which fighters use martial-arts techniques but no weapons. MMA has grown to nearly rival tennis or golf in the value of its sponsorships and now has an audience of over 40 million people, mostly on pay-per-view.

But with success comes the potential for resentment and federal meddling in a sport that seems to be doing fine under state regulation. Add to this the fact that a former MMA fighter now sitting in Congress is using his friendships with other members to help push his regulatory scheme. Representative Markwayne Mullin (R., Okla.), who was briefly a part-time MMA fighter a decade ago, thinks that fighters in his former profession are underpaid, should form a union, and should have federal bureaucrats decide which fighters will fight which matches — something the private sector is currently excelling in doing.

The model here is boxing. In 2000, Congress passed the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act ostensibly to protect the health and safety of boxers and also to regulate the sport. Boxers are now barred from entering into certain contracts, and promoters are barred from having a “direct or indirect financial interest” in the management of fighters. Federal bureaucrats often dictate which fighters fight whom and where.

But boxing had a long history of both injury to fighters and a sketchy ethical record that included rigged bouts. There’s no evidence of significant corruption in MMA matches, and its fighters are regulated by state boxing commissions that enforce health and safety issues for both boxing and MMA. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the promoting organization that dominates MMA, has worked closely with states to improve the regulation of health and safety issues.

So if it’s not broken, why bring the feds into “fixing” MMA all the way down to the level of matchmaking? One possible answer is that a powerful group of trial lawyers has often clashed with UFC’s vision of the sport and has even launched an antitrust suit against it. Rob Maysey is one of the leading attorneys in the lawsuit and at the same time is also a leader of the Mixed Martial Arts Fighting Association (MMAFA), the union that wants to hobble MMA and increase its power over their fighters. Other unions, such as Teamsters Local 986, are big backers of the antitrust lawsuit. Are the five law firms pushing the antitrust lawsuit against UFC the real “payers behind the throne” of the MMAFA?

Why are Republican-led congressional subcommittees taking valuable time promoting what amounts to a partial federal takeover of a thriving industry?

I contacted Representative Mullin’s office about all this, but his press secretary, Amy Lawrence, never got back to me. Mullen himself seems to have made his MMA bill the centerpiece of his congressional efforts, a curious choice given his economically challenged home district in rural Oklahoma.

I also sought comment from the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, which is holding an unusual second hearing on Mullin’s bill this coming Thursday. No one responded. It’s almost as if no one is interested in having anyone probe into the details of the bill or the motivations behind it.

One reason is that several of Mullin’s Republican co-sponsors on the bill might start having second thoughts once they learn of the trial-lawyer and union support behind it. One co-sponsor I did talk with privately told me he had originally backed the bill “only as a favor to a colleague who had been in the sport.” He admitted he hadn’t read more than a summary of the bill and told me he has since been chagrined to learn that the justification for federal regulation of MMA is so flimsy.

Republicans control both house of Congress. President Trump wears his anti-regulatory passion on his sleeve and has promised to repeal two regulations for every new one that is imposed. So why are Republican-led congressional subcommittees taking valuable time promoting what amounts to a partial federal takeover of a thriving industry?

It’s doubtful that the full Mullin bill regulating MMA will ever reach President Trump’s desk for signature. But portions of it could be slipped into other legislation and make its way into a “must-sign” bill.

If Republican members of Congress want to be taken seriously as either the party of small government or a party that tackles serious rather than trivial issues, they should call time-out on Mullin’s grudge match against the promoters of his old sport — they should bench his bill.

"Why are Republican-led congressional subcommittees taking valuable time promoting what amounts to a partial federal takeover of a thriving industry?" Because there's money in it for them. Duh. :rolleyes:

GeneChing

03-05-2018, 08:52 AM

Federal regulation might need its own indie thread soon... :(

Congress should focus on cybersecurity, not mess with MMA (http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/congress-should-focus-on-cybersecurity-not-mess-with-mma/article/2650568)
by Travis Korson | Mar 4, 2018, 12:01 AM

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Given the long list of more pressing issues facing the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, it seems an odd use of members' valuable time and of taxpayer resources to spend two hours exploring the federal regulation of mixed martial arts. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)

Cybersecurity is an issue that concerns every American today. As more and more economic activity is conducted online and Americans’ personal information is increasingly subjected to massive data breaches, it is important that proper safeguards are put in place to protect the American consumer from fraud and to secure their personal information.

That was why last year the House Energy and Commerce Committee created a Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection. And its creation could not have come at a more important time. From self-driving cars to the security of the Internet of things, a quick glance of the subcommittee’s hearing schedule makes it clear that its assigned members have their hands full keeping up with the breakneck pace at which technology is evolving.

But curiously tucked into the myriad of other hearings last year was one titled Perspectives on Mixed Martial Arts.

Given the long list of more pressing issues facing the committee, it seems an odd use of members’ valuable time and of taxpayer resources to spend two hours exploring the federal regulation of mixed martial arts, MMA. Especially when one considers the vast network of state-level policies that already govern the sport, the need for additional oversight or regulation appears to be minimal.

The growth of mixed martial arts is an entrepreneurial success story only possible in America. A full contact combat sport that uses a wide range of fighting styles, from boxing to judo, it originated in Asia and made its way to the United States in the early 1980s. By the early 1990s the Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC, the premier MMA league in the United States, had been created. In 1993 UFC 1 was held, ushering this virtually unknown sport into the American mainstream. MMA is now the fastest growing spectator sport in America and has bootstrapped itself up to reach an audience of over 40 million people.

Despite the fact that state regulators throughout the United States have adopted Unified Rules of MMA that ensure fighter safety and fair contests, some in Washington believe the federal government should step in and shackle the industry with additional regulation. H.R. 44, the Muhammad Ali Expansion Act, ALI Act, is a misguided attempt to regulate the sport. The bill would effectively put bureaucrats in the strange position of ranking fighters and conducting matchmaking, a role that is currently handled ably by actors in the private sector. Even more concerning, the bill would supersede the states' current ability to regulate contracts and sporting events, setting up yet another unnecessary regulatory power grab.

Leading the charge in favor of the ALI Act is the Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Association, MMAFA. While the organization has a stated goal of maximizing “the influence and earning capacity of its members in the sport of mixed martial arts” it appears to be nothing more than a front group for trial lawyers looking for a fat payday and unions looking to swell their rolls.

Rob Maysey, one of the leaders of MMAFA, is also a leading attorney in an antitrust lawsuit against UFC. Along with the Teamsters Local 986, which has tried in the past to unionize the UFC, the pair appear to be responsible for much of the support behind the MMAFA. If it seems odd than an industrial union is interested in the well being of athletes, look only to the MMAFA’s attempts to model themselves “after the Major League Baseball Players’ Association and the Screen Actors Guild,” two prominent unions in sports and entertainment.

Surprisingly, a Republican is the lead sponsor of the ALI Act. The special interests supporting this bill have found a champion in Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., a former part-time UFC fighter who has taken exception to UFC’s ranking system, presumably after his own experience in the Octagon. While his interest in the issue is clear, what’s less evident is why his Republican colleagues on the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection found the issue pressing enough to hold a hearing given their loose jurisdictional connection and lack of a discernible need for additional MMA regulation.

Given President Trump’s efforts to repeal the regulatory state, it seems counterintuitive that Republicans would want to explore instituting such a large federal power grab, never mind provide an opening the very unions and trial lawyers they say hurt American business. Congress would be wise to kill this bill and give it the knockout it deserves.

Travis Korson is a Senior Fellow with Frontiers of Freedom, a public policy think tank devoted to promoting free markets, individual liberty, and constitutionally limited government. To learn more about Frontiers of Freedom, visit www.ff.org.

GeneChing

03-19-2018, 09:09 AM

Anyone active here from Missouri?

Missouri House votes to ban children from mixed martial arts (http://www.kfvs12.com/story/37734781/missouri-house-votes-to-ban-children-from-mixed-martial-arts)
Thursday, March 15th 2018, 11:23 am PDT
Thursday, March 15th 2018, 11:25 am PDT

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The Missouri House has passed a proposal that would ban children 17 and younger from participating in mixed martial arts or professional kickboxing. (Source: Pixabay.com)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri House has passed a proposal that would ban children 17 and younger from participating in mixed martial arts or professional kickboxing.

The bill, approved Thursday in a 112-29 vote, would put amateur kickboxing and both professional and mixed martial arts under state supervision. In an amateur mixed martial arts contest, elbow strikes to the head would no longer be allowed, nor would knee strikes to the head during the first five bouts. However, contestants could agree to allow knee strikes after that.

Proponents say the rules will protect children from potential brain damage.

Opponents say the bill creates unnecessary regulations and infringes on parental rights.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

The bill is HB 1388

Thread: Kids and MMA (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?51595-Kids-and-MMA)
Thread: MMA legal in which states now? (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?49383-MMA-legal-in-which-states-now)

GeneChing

08-27-2018, 08:57 AM

McCain's opinion on MMA was discussed on this thread previously (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?49383-MMA-legal-in-which-states-now&p=1264810#post1264810). Seems like as good a thread as any to post this then.

How John McCain Grew to Tolerate MMA, the Sport he Likened to “Human Cockfighting” (https://slate.com/culture/2018/08/john-mccain-ufc-how-he-grew-to-tolerate-mma-the-sport-he-considered-human-cockfighting.html)
By NICK GREENE
AUG 26, 2018 5:24 PM

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John McCain speaks at a press conference to show support for the Cleveland Clinic’s professional fighters study on April 26, 2016.
Paul Morigi/Getty Images

In 1996, John McCain called mixed martial arts “human cockfighting.” It was a good jab (never mind the fact that Arizona, the state McCain represented in Congress for over three decades, didn’t officially ban cockfighting until 1998). The term stuck. Even today, with MMA a popular and relatively main-stream form of entertainment, you’ll occasionally hear its critics use his “cockfighting” line. McCain, who died Saturday at the age of 81, may have wanted to destroy the sport in the 1990s, but he will be remembered by some as the man who helped save it.

McCain was not opposed to combat sports in general. He was a high school wrestler and an amateur boxer at the Naval Academy in the 1950s. McCain regularly attended boxing matches throughout his life and often sat ringside. But when he came across an Ultimate Fighting Championship tape in 1996, he was horrified. It looked nothing like his beloved pugilism. There were choke-holds and kicks, and fighters were permitted to pummel opponents on the ground. “To hit a man when he was down was un-American,” McCain declared.

McCain sent letters to every governor in the country and asked them to ban the “barbaric” enterprise (which he said was “not a sport”). David Plotz wrote about McCain’s war against the UFC for Slate in 1999, and he described the senator’s effective campaign:

Where McCain led, a prudish nation followed. George Will opined against UFC. The American Medical Association recommended a ban. New York state outlawed ultimate fighting, as did other states. The Nevada Athletic Commission refused to sanction UFC bouts, barring the UFC from the lucrative casino market … Lawsuits blocked or delayed UFC events all over the country, forcing the promoters to spend millions in legal fees.

When McCain became chairman of the commerce committee in 1997, he oversaw the cable industry. Looking to maintain influence in Washington, major cable operators shunned the UFC and hamstrung the company’s ability to make money via pay-per-view events. According to Plotz, “the UFC’s ‘addressable audience’—the potential number of PPV subscribers—shrank from 35 million at its peak to 7.5 million [in 1999].” MMA existed in America almost exclusively under the UFC banner, and the sport was down for the count.

It was undoubtedly rich that an avid boxing fan would accuse another sport of being overly dangerous, but this was more or less ignored at the time. In 1995, a year before he began his crusade against the UFC, McCain sat ringside at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and watched Colombian boxer Jimmy Garcia get pummeled through 11 rounds. Garcia was knocked out and stretchered to a hospital, and he died from his injuries 13 days later. When Plotz interviewed McCain in 1999, the senator cut their meeting short after Plotz asked him to explain the moral distinction between the two sports.

“If you can’t see the moral distinction,” McCain said, “then we have nothing to talk about!”

Still, the UFC of the 1990s was much different than today’s telegenic versions of MMA. There were few rules and no weight classes. Mismatched fights often came to unnecessarily gruesome conclusions. It was ugly, and whether it deserved to be called “human cockfighting” depended wholly on your opinions of cockfighting.

While McCain set out to destroy the UFC and MMA, he ironically wound up helping the sport. The bad press and persistent legal battles forced the UFC to work with state athletic commissions. It was a slow march towards legitimization, but the end result was a more modern and accepted iteration of what was once an amateurish celebration of bloody combat. Die-hards will insist that the sport was never overly dangerous to begin with, but few will argue that it hasn’t become more watchable.

McCain’s role in all this has not been forgotten. Dana White became UFC president in 2001 and oversaw the sport’s rebound and precipitous rise in America, but he’s eager to give credit to the Arizona senator. “I consider John McCain the guy who started the UFC,” White told Sports Illustrated in 2008. “If it wasn’t for McCain I wouldn’t be here right now.”

In 2014, then-UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta echoed White’s thoughts. “Without [McCain] doing what he did back in the ’90s to force regulation, this sport would be dead. It wouldn’t exist. Honestly, for all the negatives he caused, he actually allowed the sport to foster and grow.”

As MMA evolved, so did McCain’s opinions of it. “They have cleaned up the sport to the point, at least in my view, where it is not human cockfighting any more,” he said in 2007. Faint praise, perhaps, but it was a start. In 2014, a reporter for Inside MMA asked McCain if he would have tried mixed martial arts had it been around during his youth. “Absolutely. Absolutely,” answered McCain.