State could regulate Ultimate Fighting

AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) - Ultimate Fighting or Mixed Martial Arts combines different types of martial arts with boxing. Keith Gordon, the owner of Extreme Fighting International, says that "It's as realistic as you can get to an actual combative street fight, but with rules." Organizers, like Gordon, want their sport to be regulated by the boxing commission. They say the state needs to ensure that all organizers are held to the same safety standards.

The Public Safety Commission heard a bill on Thursday that would place MMA under the jurisdiction of the boxing commission. If they pass it, this sport would be required to have licensed events, physicians at fights, and strict medical tests. Currently, testing for hepatitis B, C, and HIV are done by the honor system. Fighters like Dan Fonseca say this needs to change. He said "You cross your fingers and hope that you don't get anything from the other fighter."

This could also bring in big money to the Bay State. If the Ultimate Fighting Championship holds fight in Massachusetts, that could bring in millions to the state according to Gordon. He said his fights sell out and draw people from across New England.