Sanctioned MMA Not Expected in Massachusetts Until 2010

The state house of representatives voted 144-10 on Wednesday to approve legislation sanctioning the sport. However, it appears unlikely the sport will have final approval -- a signature from the governor -- in 2009, according to Matthew Moran, chief of staff to Sen. James Timilty, who sponsored the initial MMA bill.

“There’s still another step or two,” Moran said. “I wouldn’t anticipate anything until the new year.”

The house version differs from a version the senate approved in the summer, and both have to be reconciled. They could be resolved in a conference committee, where three house members and three senate members iron out compromise language, or a legislator can introduce a floor amendment to change the bill.

The house version creates a new state athletic commission, while the senate version puts MMA under the auspices of the existing state boxing commission. The boxing commission regulated MMA for a short period a few years ago but stopped when it was determined it did not have statutory authority.

The bills also differ on a provision that appears unique to Massachusetts in terms of MMA sanctioning. Both bills give individual cities and towns a degree of control over whether MMA cards can be staged in their backyards.

The senate version would make a city and town off-limits for MMA until local officials voted to adopt the new state regulations. The house version allows local officials to vote to stop an event after the state informs them an MMA promoter has applied to hold a show in their city or town.

In short, Moran said the senate version requires locals to “opt in” to MMA sanctioning, while the house version requires them to “opt out.”

In 2005, there was a trend of local officials in Massachusetts blocking a promoter trying to stage an MMA event in several cities.

There is also a legislative discrepancy on stipends for commissioners. The house version calls for commissioners to receive a per diem fee for every event they work, while the senate version calls for an annual stipend.

The UFC for years has eyed Boston, where White spent his formative years and once ran a boxing gym. White said earlier this year he would like to promote an event at historic Fenway Park.