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Bill would allow mixed martial arts contests in SC
5/10/2008 12:43 AM

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By SEANNA ADCOX Associated Press
COLUMBIA -- South Carolina could join its neighbors in allowing mixed martial arts contests under legislation up for discussion next week by a Senate panel.
Proponents say the increasingly popular combative sport, which combines elements of karate, judo, jujitsu and kickboxing, would bring money and tourists to the Palmetto State. They contend mixed martial arts has evolved from its no-holds-barred past to a regulated sport broadcast on TV, and South Carolina should share in the wealth.
The measure, set for debate Wednesday, would repeal South Carolina's ban on such fighting events and direct the State Athletic Commission to regulate what Forbes magazine recently labeled "the billion-dollar blood sport."
"You're having events all around you, and no revenue's coming into your state," said Marc Ratner, a vice president of Las Vegas-based Ultimate Fighting Championship, which has looked at Columbia as a possible venue if legalized.
Ratner said the sport is no more violent than boxing and attracts younger audiences. "It's just a different form of combat sport," said Ratner, a former executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Earlier this month, a UFC event in Montreal attracted more than 19,000 fans for a $5 million gross at the gate, he said. Other events are being considered in Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C.
"It's a moneymaker," said Sen. Jake Knotts, R-West Columbia, who met with Ratner and sponsored the bill at the State Athletic Commission's request.
Sen. Larry Grooms said he added his name to the bill because his wife and sons are big fans.
"I find it strange that she can watch it on TV where they fight in other states, but she can't watch it here," the Bonneau Republican said.
The senators acknowledge the bill's chances for passage this year are extremely slim, with just a month left in session.
More than 30 states have approved mixed martial arts contests since New Jersey officials created formal rules for the sport in 2001, barring biting, eye gouging, head butts, finger bending and other fouls. According to Ratner, the most serious documented injury during a sanctioned mixed martial contest since those rules were set has been a broken arm.
Legislation approving the sport is also pending in New York, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Rhode Island. North Carolina lawmakers legalized the sport last year.
"When it was a no-holds-barred sport, it turned people off. Putting rules with it made it a solid competition," said James Hines, the North Carolina-based promoter of "Mayhem in the Cage."
"Now rules are strictly enforced," he said. "It's like poetry in motion watching a great athlete out there doing what he does best."
The South Carolina measure specifies that licensed fighters must be at least 18 years old and pass physical and medical tests before bouts.
Michael Tyler, chairman of the State Athletic Commission, believes the contests would boost the state's economy and double the number of annual contests. The commission puts on between 15 and 20 boxing events, most of them in Charleston, and roughly 30 wrestling events across the state yearly.
"All these other states are taking all these fights," he said.

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