MMA legal in which states now?

[GeneChing]

bummer for CT

Mixed martial arts matches to remain illegal in Connecticut
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]

Bummer for NY

May 7, 2012, 7:18 pm
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]

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
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]

Where is Farmington Hills again? Do they stage a lot of cage matches there?

'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]

'MMA Cage Fighting is the child porn of sports'.... 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 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]

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]

Martial arts matches legalized, to be regulated
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]

Now it's on the municipal level

September 04, 2013 10:28 a.m.
Council on mixed martial arts event: ‘Enough fighting already’

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]

wow talk about living in bible belt 1940.

[GeneChing]

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

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.


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.

[Syn7]

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]

Tiger Claw's east coast office is in TN.

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



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]

7th time is a charm.

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]

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
N.Y. state Assembly passes bill allowing MMA, ending a yearslong legislative battle over the sport


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.


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]

Finally, a small step in the right direction for the least free state in the Union.