Lawmaker proposes MMA to Michigan

[crushing]

I heard about this on the local news on the radio yesterday and again. It would be nice to not have to leave the state to see professional MMA events.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070605/SPORTS18/70605041/1048/SPORTS



LANSING — A state lawmaker wants to regulate mixed martial arts fights and make them legal in Michigan.

A state House committee heard testimony Tuesday on legislation aimed at expanding state law covering boxing to include contests sponsored by the Ultimate Fighting Championship or other mixed martial arts organizations.

[punisher73]

They have MMA events here in Michigan. They get around it by having them at the casinos. There is a KOTC event this friday (June 15th). But, I know what you mean, it will be nicer having to have other events around the state not just at casinos.

[crushing]

They have MMA events here in Michigan. They get around it by having them at the casinos. There is a KOTC event this friday (June 15th). But, I know what you mean, it will be nicer having to have other events around the state not just at casinos.

There is a loophole that also allows for amateur MMA events. They don't even need to be held at casinos. There was such an event in Muskegon a few months ago. According to the newspaper reports about the event, as long as the fighters don't get paid, it's not illegal.

[Brian R. VanCise]

Yes that is absolutely true about the amature events. Someone who practices with me every now and then just had a fight. (he won two http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif)

MMA is coming to Michigan in a big way. There are to many dollars involved and the bigger venues want to have it here. I remember going to the UFC that was held at Cobo arena oh so long ago that headlined Shamrock and Severn and that place was packed. Every time they have a King of the Cage up here in Mt. Pleasant at the Casino it is packed as well. Lot's and lot's of fight fan's in Michigan.

[Rich Parsons]

There is a loophole that also allows for amateur MMA events. They don't even need to be held at casinos. There was such an event in Muskegon a few months ago. According to the newspaper reports about the event, as long as the fighters don't get paid, it's not illegal.


I thought there was a requirement for a certain mass gloves to be worn as well.

[CMS]

The Palace at Auburn Hills is hosting an event tonight:
http://www.palacenet.com/default.asp?event=677

[crushing]

The Palace at Auburn Hills is hosting an event tonight:
http://www.palacenet.com/default.asp?event=677


With a change to the law, the Palace could host professional MMA events and not just these amateur MMA events, and that would really help MMA "come to Michigan in a big way" as Mr. VanCise pointed out.

These amateur events will show a demand for MMA and may help push the changes through as businesses see the $$$ and put pressure on the lawmakers.

I wouldn't drive over to the Palace to see an amateur event, but I would seriously consider going to the Palace for a UFC PPV event at the Palace (or maybe even a Pacer's game before they got rid of Ron Artest).

[CMS]

I live just a few minutes away from the Palace, but I won't go to see an amateur event such as this unless someone I knew was fighting in it.

[D Dempsey]

I think the Palace might be to big a venue to host an amateur MMA event at. I used to go there to watch amateur boxing and the place was packed, but almost everyone got in for free.

[crushing]

Here's an update on bringing professional MMA to Michigan.

Michigan House passes bill to allow mixed martial arts events.


LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The state House on Wednesday passed bills aimed at regulating mixed martial arts fights in Michigan.

The main bill in the package passed the House by a 94-14 vote. The legislation now goes to the Senate.

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/business-12/118540272483940.xml&storylist=newsmichigan