The Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission voted unanimously Monday to approve the rules and regulations for both amateur and professional Mixed Martial Arts fights in the state, said Greg Sirb, the commission’s executive director.
So what about an MMA event in Pennsylvania?
“I would say, maybe, best guess, early 2008, if we don’t hit any bumps and no parties want to change the rules,” he said.
That, apparently, is a big “if.”
What might slow the upcoming “regulatory phase” down is if the state’s politicians and lawyers — who typically defer to the commission’s expertise in drafting rules — want to get involved and ask questions, Sirb said.
I shot a few questions at Sirb about the rules. In amateur fights, striking on the ground will be allowed, but no kicks to the head and fighters must be 18, he said.
As for professional rules, when asked about elbows on the ground, Sirb said that it’s “still being decided.” OK, how about things that were legal in Pride like soccer kicks and stomps? Sirb said, “We wouldn’t get into discussions like that.”
So, I guess it’s not ALL worked out yet. It’s painful, isn’t it, to wait so long for MMA in the state. Stay tuned, I’ll keep you updated.
I can't wait for amateur MMA in Pennsylvania