A new bill introduced in the Nebraska Legislature would expand the list of state sanctioned combat sports to include professional bare-knuckle mixed martial arts (MMA), amateur kickboxing, muay thai, slap fighting, and “MMA on Ice.”
Yes. Think Disney on Ice, but more striking and grappling.
State Senator Ben Hansen, a practicing chiropractor from the City of Blair, brought legislative bill 635 before the General Affairs committee on Monday. He said the combat-sports community suggested these events be authorized for regulation by the State Athletic Commissioner, Aaron Hendry, who currently oversees all professional/amateur mixed martial arts performed in the Nebraska. Including boxing, professional kickboxing, and professional bare-knuckle boxing — unless hosted by schools, the military, or associations for contestants under 16-years-old.
“The combat sporting events regulated by the Athletic Commission usually host thousands of people in the stands, with many more watching on pay per view,” said Hansen. “So far, these events have been held in Omaha, Lincoln, North Platte, Kearney, Scotts Bluff, South, Sioux City and other cities, profiting the economy and bringing revenue to both the state and local businesses.”
By regulating these brawls, Hansen said Nebraska would be demonstrating that combat sports can be conducted safely while adhering to the law. Additionally, he said this would free up event promoters, who typically do not host combat sporting events in a states where the legal authority is non-existent or vague.
“By embracing these emerging sports, Nebraska could become a leader in our development, leveraging the existing sports culture and infrastructure to capitalize on the growing demand for high energy alternative combat sports,” Hansen told the committee.
Asked for a description of ‘MMA on Ice,’ Hansen said “In essence, competitors will be in full hockey gear, with the exception of MMA gloves instead of hockey gloves… The bout consists of 2-minute rounds, with a 30-second overtime in the case of a draw. In the case of a knockdown, a competitor will receive a 10 count to get themselves back up to a standing position. It’s very similar to boxing, except they’re wearing ice skates, and they’re dressed in hockey gear.”
“But it is on ice?” asked one committee member.
“Synthetic ice. Yes,” Hansen replied.
If approved by lawmakers, Hansen said most competitors would likely come from out-of-state at first… but stressed many Nebraskans have long trained in these sports. Nebraska would be the 6th state in the country to legalize slap fighting, joining Nevada, California, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma.
Under the purview of the Athletic Commission, participants would likely need to sign a release of liability waiver in the case of injury. Hansen said the athletic commissioner’s office and promoters helped draft the bill.
A few promoters, coaches and fighters testified in support, and there were no opponents. The committee took no immediate action on the bill.