Michigan Mixed Martial Arts Bill Includes Insurance Requirement

A Michigan House committee plans to debate a bill that would place state regulations on amateur mixed martial arts events.

The Regulatory Reform Committee is considering a bill would require event promoters to get state licenses. It would set rules for the length and number of rounds in each contest.

Contestants would have to have at least $10,000 in insurance for medical and hospital expenses. Detroit Democrat Rep. Harvey Santana is the bill’s sponsor.

Supporters say unregulated amateur events put contestants in danger. Opponents say regulations would mean steep costs for promoters and hurt the businesses.

Mixed martial arts contests combine boxing, wrestling and jujitsu. Michigan now regulates professional mixed martial arts, but not amateur events.

A similar bill died in the Senate last year.