Mixed Martial Arts bill goes into effect this week

AUGUSTA — A new law sponsored by Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, that clarifies the role of the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine went into effect as of Monday, July 12.

The new law as sponsored by Peterson, LD 1685, “An Act To Clarify the Enforcement Role of the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine,” spells out the Authority’s role and duties and authorizes the board of directors of the Authority to conduct specific inspections of mixed martial arts competitions, exhibitions or events and enhances enforcement mechanisms of the board.

The new law also requires the Authority to adopt rules regarding the certification process for authorized participants and requires that a physician be present during each mixed marital arts competition, exhibition or event. It allows the board to discipline authorized participants if they fail to adhere to the rules adopted by the Authority and allows for fines up to $500 for each violation. It also extends the deadline for the Authority to adopt rules from March 1, 2010 to October 15, 2010.

These clarifications will expedite the increasingly popular sporting events to be held in the state, bringing revenue and entertainment to Maine’s citizens. If all goes as planned the first MMA event will be scheduled at the end of 2010 and will ensure the health and safety of the participants.

Mixed Martial Arts is a full combat contact sport, combining several different styles of fighting. In 2009 Peterson introduced a bill establishing the Mixed Martial Arts Authority to regulate and promote mixed martial arts competitions, exhibitions and events in Maine.

Recent plans to hold a boxing match in Lewiston brought to light the discovery that due to the abolishment of the Athletic Commission in 2007, boxing no longer has a governing body and is therefore illegal under a centuries old statute.

“I was dismayed to learn that boxing events cannot be held in Maine since they no longer have a regulating body,” said Peterson. “If reelected, I would love to work with the boxing community the same way I worked with mixed martial arts community, to change the statute, so that boxing events can once again be held in Maine.”