West Virginia Votes to Regulate MMA in the State

Brian Bowles

The West Virginia legislature passed a bill that would see MMA finally sanctioned in the state, which leaves only New York, Vermont and Connecticut left as states without legal MMA (Alaska and Wyoming don’t have regulatory bodies to oversee the sport).

“We’ve worked hard to get this sport regulated all over the world, particularly in the United States,” UFC President Dana White said. “I’m really excited to see the sport regulated in West Virginia and look forward to one day bringing a UFC event there.”

MMA is actually a popular sport in West Virginia, and neighboring states like Ohio and Pennsylvania have adopted MMA as a growing entity throughout their areas.

Former WEC champion Brian Bowles was originally born in Charleston, WV and looks forward to the day he could return home and fight in front of his home state fans.

“All of my friends and family in West Virginia always ask when they’re going to get to see me fight in my home state,” Bowles said. “Now that the sport is regulated there, I am excited to know that I could one day compete in the Octagon in West Virginia.”

The UFC has held several events in and around the state, and West Virginia may end up with an event there at some point in the near future.