Vermont Becomes 46th State to Regulate Mixed Martial Arts

UFC officials Friday released a statement in favor of Vermont’s legislation, which comes as the promotion continues to fight for MMA’s legalization in New York, the easterly neighbor of The Green Mountain State.

“Vermont’s legislation of the sport of MMA is further evidence of the continued growth and success of our sport in this country,” said UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta in the release. “We are pleased that fans in Vermont will now have the opportunity to watch a live UFC event in their own backyard, and [we] look forward to making that happen.”

With the recent development, only three states possessing athletic commissions do not currently regulate MMA: New York, Connecticut and Montana. While MMA is legal in Alaska, the state lacks a regulatory body to oversee the sport.

Vermont houses approximately 626,000 residents, making it the second-least populous state in the union. It becomes the second state this year to pass MMA legislation, as Wyoming lawmakers voted in favor of regulation on March 8.

“We are thrilled with the state of Vermont becoming the 46th state to regulate the sport of mixed martial arts,” said Marc Ratner, UFC senior vice president of government and regulatory affairs. “We look forward to working with their athletic commission in forming the rules and regulations of this great sport.”