Arizona Governor Signs Bill on MMA
A bill regulating mixed martial arts in Arizona was signed into law
Monday by Gov. Janet Napolitano.
The law will direct the Arizona Boxing Commission to adopt rules for unarmed combat consistent with the unified rules for MMA, which means the commission will be able to allow closed-fist punches and elbows on the ground in addition to other regulations.
The law takes effect 90 days after the legislative session ends.
"I am extremely pleased that we were able to agree on a bill that will effectively promote commerce and bring a very popular sport to the state," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jonathan Paton, in a news release.
The Arizona Daily Star described Paton as a "mixed martial arts enthusiast who first learned about the sport as an Army reservist and continued to follow it while stationed in Iraq."
Ken Shamrock (Pictures) offered his support through the legislative process.
"Arizona becomes the next state to welcome mixed martial arts, the world's fastest growing sport," he said in a statement. "I was very fortunate to work with the Arizona Legislature, including Rep. Jonathan Paton and Senate Chief of Staff Victor Riches, as well as with John Montano, the associate director of the Boxing Commission on this bill. Now the fans can enjoy, and the fighters can participate in MMA events in their home state, and I am extremely excited about the prospect of bringing professional MMA events to Arizona."
The law will direct the Arizona Boxing Commission to adopt rules for unarmed combat consistent with the unified rules for MMA, which means the commission will be able to allow closed-fist punches and elbows on the ground in addition to other regulations.
The law takes effect 90 days after the legislative session ends.
"I am extremely pleased that we were able to agree on a bill that will effectively promote commerce and bring a very popular sport to the state," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jonathan Paton, in a news release.
The Arizona Daily Star described Paton as a "mixed martial arts enthusiast who first learned about the sport as an Army reservist and continued to follow it while stationed in Iraq."
Ken Shamrock (Pictures) offered his support through the legislative process.
"Arizona becomes the next state to welcome mixed martial arts, the world's fastest growing sport," he said in a statement. "I was very fortunate to work with the Arizona Legislature, including Rep. Jonathan Paton and Senate Chief of Staff Victor Riches, as well as with John Montano, the associate director of the Boxing Commission on this bill. Now the fans can enjoy, and the fighters can participate in MMA events in their home state, and I am extremely excited about the prospect of bringing professional MMA events to Arizona."
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