MMA legal in which states now?

[lkfmdc]

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

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

[taai gihk yahn]

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]

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

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

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]

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]

http://content.usatoday.com/communit.../05/66483151/1

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

[Yoshiyahu]

Is it possible to have Beimo fights in the USA?

[GeneChing]

And now, Massachusetts is teetering...

Beantown legislation ready to approve 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]

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
(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.

[GeneChing]

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]

"more than 40 states that have enacted similar regulations." So who's left? Where is MMA still illegal?

New York State for one.

[GeneChing]

Rockwood city councilman fights mixed martial arts
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]

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

[GeneChing]

MMA bully politician.

Tuesday February 1, 2011
Delegate takes on 'bully' critic in martial arts bill
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...

[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