Mixed Martial Arts Under Pressure

Alan Irwin at the House of Lords.

A Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Bill was recently passed in Iowa’s State Senate. The bill to amend Iowa’s law will now be put before the Iowa House. Unlike most other US states where officials or third party sanctioning bodies oversee regulation, Iowa (along with 15 other states) does not regulate amateur MMA fights.

A Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Bill was last week passed in Iowa’s State Senate. The bill to amend Iowa’s law will now be put before the Iowa House. Unlike most other US states where officials or third party sanctioning bodies oversee regulation, Iowa (along with 15 other states) does not regulate amateur MMA fights. Unregulated fights don’t require blood tests, leaving fighters vulnerable to catch a disease if an opponent with HIV or hepatitis gets cut and blood flies. The proposed rules for amateur MMA fights would include: HEALTH: Fighters would have to get tests for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C every six months. If they test positive, they could not fight. Fighters would need a physical at least 90 days before a fight.

MEDICAL CARE: A doctor would need to be present at events to check fighters before and after each bout.

Should Iowa clean up MMA fighting? Read the full story here. (Originally reported www.demoinesregister.com)

Published 31/03/2010 | Ref: ALAN IRWIN

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