LOS ANGELES, Calif., Aug. 29 — The California State Athletic Commission on Monday denied a request by Japanese mixed martial arts promoter Dream Stage Entertainment to include "options" in the state's pending MMA regulations that would have allowed for the use of a ring, PRIDE's 10-5-5 round system and the choice for competitors to use equipment like wrestling shoes and gis during a fight.

In a 4-1 vote the CSAC refused PRIDE's round system. The option of special equipment fell by a 3-2 margin. Use of a ring in MMA contests, which is allowed by the "unified rules" in states like Nevada and New Jersey, was tabled when no commissioner would offer a motion to vote.

Now headed back to Sacramento for approval by the Department of Consumer Affairs and subject to review by the Office of Administrative Law, these MMA regulations appear back on track to become law later this year.