MMA Now Legal In Maine

Posted by Jeffrey Harris on 09.01.2009

Another one down. Governor Baldacci of Maine signs a bill that opens the state to mixed martial arts.

Mal Leary of the Capitol News Service reports that Maine's Governor, John Baldacci, had a ceremonial bill signing in his office for a new legislative bill that opens the path for mixed martial arts competition in the state.

Baldacci said, "When I first learned of the legislation, I was a little skepticalI have not followed mixed martial arts as it developed into one of the most popular and fast-growing sports, but I have begun to watch it and appreciate it more for the training that people go through."

The new law set up the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine. The MMA Authority of Maine will define mixed martial arts as a combative for compensation sport featuring a mix of karate, jiujitsu, Muay Thai, tae kwon do, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, judo, and striking and grappling techniques. The authority will also be establishing rules to regulate the sport in the state of Maine. Representative Matthew Petersen, who sponsored the authority, hopes that MMA events from organizations such as the UFC will be held in Maine starting in 2010. The new bill mandates that the MMA Authority will need to have rules established by March 1, 2010 and with that MMA events can begin being held.

Maine is currently home to UFC welterweight fighter, Marcus Davis.