MMA regulations worth the fight
Mixed martial arts (MMA), a full contact combat sport allowing a wide variety of fighting techniques, has grown in popularity across the nation and in Iowa. But this growth needs governed. The Iowa Senate did the right thing recently by unanimously passing an amendment to place MMA under the auspices of the State Athletic Commissioner similar to other professional events. The Iowa House should finish the job. The bill is currently in subcommittee and is expected to go to a vote by the full Iowa Senate by March 5.
Much of the misunderstanding of MMA dates back to the early years when fights were not regulated. In the early 1990s, competitors were matched against one another in cages with minimal safety rules. Since then, promoters have enacted additional regulations to increase safety for competitors and to promote mainstream acceptance of the sport. They realized that the image of animal-like, fight-to-the-death, no rules matches needed to disappear.
While the sport continues to be depicted as brutal by those who have never seen it, the reality is that there have been few deaths or severe injuries in sanctioned events. A Johns Hopkins University study concluded that the overall injury rate in MMA competitions is now similar to other combat sports including boxing.
Iowa was one of the first states to apply any form of regulation to the sport and has set numerous standards in MMA. This is rightfully so, as many of the top MMA athletes have come from or trained in this state. Unfortunately, Iowa has fallen behind in recent years and has been mocked for its “Wild West” status of sideshow promoters and gimmicky events.
The Iowa Code properly addresses how to govern boxing and wrestling events, but the wording has not yet applied to MMA. This legislation will not only protect the athletes but will ultimately protect promoters and fans, too. All involved should be concerned with injuries. Allowing fighters to compete without pre-fight medical examinations and without appropriate medical staff on site is not only dangerous to the athletes, but is also dangerous to the future of the sport. Amateur MMA must be regulated and governed by the same restrictions as professional events. CV
