Mixed martial arts bill bounced back to Senate

By James Q. Lynch 

The Gazette

The House voted 86-6 to amend a bill that would establish new regulations for amateur mixed martial arts matches in Iowa and sent it back to the Senate. The Senate version would have regulated events open to the public and an admission fee is charged. The House expanded it to cover events where merchandise or refreshments are available for purchase.

SF 2286, which the Senate passed 48-0, would require that venues that host the matches obtain a permit, and only those 18 and older would be allowed to participate in the matches. Some have complained that some of the participants are fighting under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are not being tested for hepatitis or HIV/AIDS, and fighting again too soon after being knocked unconscious.

Rep. McKinley Bailey, D-Webster City, said he wants the bill amended to help small promoters, those who handle mostly amateur events, who say they will not be able to afford the insurance required to promote the events.

Marty Elberg of Valor Championship Fighting told Bailey small amateur events may draw fewer than 300 people expecting to see a dozen or more bouts. The insurance costs exceed receipts. Fighters, Elberg said, don't want the law if it limits their opportunities to fight.

Bailey wants to keep the insurance requirement, but allow promoters to share the cost with the participants.

Rep. Ralph Watts, R-Adel, suggested requiring psychiatric exams for participates.

Lawmakers' concern with mixed martial arts stems from allegations amateur ultimate fighters are getting hurt, being paid “under the table,” fighting under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not being tested for hepatitis or HIV/AIDS, and fighting again too soon after being knocked unconscious.

In one case, they said, a 17-year-old constituent was not asked to verify his age before a match in which he suffered injuries that required his father to pay $20,000 in medical bills to repair a broken eye socket.

Iowa currently licenses and regulates professional boxing and MMA events held in the state, but allows a well-established association to oversee amateur boxing. State labor commissioner Dave Neil, who doubles as the state's boxing commissioner, said currently there is no such organized Iowa group to provide the same structure for amateur MMA events.

Currently, state officials require a $5,000 surety bond for professional MMA events that seek a state license, along with medical records and the names of fighters under contract, the supervising doctor and the sanctioned referee. Neil said he or one of his deputies attends professional MMA events and promoters must pay the state 5 percent of the gate to cover costs.

The commissioner proposes a similar structure for amateur MMA matches and events.

Iowa law currently sets a minimum age requirement of 18 for boxers. The proposed legislation initially required that MMA contestants be at least 21 years of age, but senators approved an amendment to lower the age to 18 years for amateur MMA participation.

Under the bill, promoters of an amateur mixed martial arts event would be accountable for the conduct of all officials and participants at MMA matches. The commissioner could suspend a match or event if a contestant does not pass a required prefight physical exam or fails to present adequate proof of age, and if a promoter, contestant or participant was in violation of any rule.

Promoters would be required to pay state tax on the event's gross receipts and the commissioner would have the authority in certain circumstances to revoke, deny or withdraw a license for or deny participation in an MMA match or event. The commissioner also could impose civil penalties not to exceed $10,000 per violation against someone who posed as a promoter without a license.