Lawmakers Approve Mixed Martial Arts Fighting In North Carolina

[PizDoff]

Lawmakers Approve Mixed Martial Arts Fighting In North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Lawmakers have agreed to have state law enforcement officers regulate mixed martial arts, a popular form of organized fighting.

The bill has been sent to Governor Mike Easley for his signature.

The measure also increases fees the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division charges fighters, their managers, promoters and referees to pay for the division's increased responsibilities.

A $1.50 fee would be added to each ticket to fighting events regulated by the state.

In mixed martial arts, fighters use a combination of martial arts, boxing and wrestling to try to defeat an opponent in a ring, cage or combination of the two.

A form of the sport known as "ultimate warrior" matches was banned in North Carolina in the 1990s after it was deemed too bloody and uncontrolled.

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/13813256/detail.html



Lawmakers approve mixed martial arts fighting in North Carolina

The Associated Press
RALEIGH, N.C.

A popular form of organized fighting could soon enter the ring in North Carolina after lawmakers agreed Thursday to order state law enforcement officers to regulate mixed martial arts.

The approved legislation, now headed to Gov. Mike Easley's desk for his signature, would also increase fees the state Alcohol Law Enforcement Division charges fighters, their managers, promoters and referees, to pay for the division's increased responsibilities. A $1.50 fee also would be added to each ticket to fighting events regulated by the state.

In mixed martial arts, fighters use a combination of martial arts, boxing and wrestling to try to defeat an opponent in a ring, cage or combination of the two.

A form of the sport known as "ultimate warrior" matches was banned in North Carolina in the 1990s after it was deemed too bloody and uncontrolled by critics. But supporters argue the sport has cleaned up its act and improved its safety, and it now draws millions of television viewers on cable and pay-per-view outlets.

The legislation approved Thursday removes the "ultimate warrior" ban and legalizes mixed martial arts. It directs the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division and the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety to adopt permanent rules to regulate mixed martial arts as soon as possible.

An earlier version of the bill would have increased the minimum liability insurance requirements for so-called "toughman" events, single-elimination tournaments of amateur boxers that often attract locals to spar at small-town venues. But that provision, which was designed to slowly eliminate the events, was removed in the Senate.

Another bill on Easley's desk, passed last week, creates an advisory commission to make recommendations on regulating boxing and other forms of competitive fighting.

http://www.fayobserver.com/article_ap?id=108663

Also
http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6881201
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/657202.html

Happy to read this, we are moving towards the right direction.

[Devil]

Hell yeah, baby.

[nameless44]

Fucking awesome news. I had heard about this and couldn't have been more excited. Now the folks who train here don't have to go to VA or Georgia to fight, which is outstanding. Now we just have to make sure that the Boxing Commission doesn't adopt retarded rules like GA has for amateur fights.