France holds first event under Unified Rules
MMA under the Unified Rules is not technically illegal in France, but the powerful French Judo Federation has ensured that getting licensed to has not happen until now.
World Warriors Fighting Championship (WWFC) Cage Encounters 4 took place on Sept. 19, in Paris, France. The event took place in a cage, under the Unified Rules, with a prohibition on elbows. This was one of countless such MMA events worldwide that day, but it was a first for France. Although police officers were in attendance watching the proceedings, they allowed to show to go on.
MMA under the Unified Rules is not technically illegal in France, but the powerful French Judo Federation has ensured that getting licensed to hold an event that allows closed fist striking on the ground is so challenging that it has not happen until now.
However, Thierry Braillard, Secretary of State for Sport in France, told ‘The Parisian’ newspaper that the event was not recognized, and further that he “does not like to be ridiculed.”
“I do not like cheating,” said Braillard ominously, according to Karim Zidan for BE. “I have also read provocations on social networks. I will not sit with my hands in my pockets, believe me. Our investigation will result perhaps in sanctions. We will do what it takes.”
In positive news, WWFC 4 set a new legal precedent, and other promoters may now hold similar events.
“We always knew there was a loophole (in the law) but nobody took the risk until yesterday to go so far as to actually organize an MMA event with MMA rules in a cage,” said Commission Française de Mixed Martial Arts (CFMMA) president Bertrand Amoussou. “This could have been stopped at any time but the police were informed and came only to witness the sportsmanship of MMA.”
The CFMMA expanded on the remarks in an official statement:
“For the first time an event reported to the authorities was held under the Unified Rules of MMA. This sets a legal precedent. We now expect a reaction from the government. However last night it was shown publicly that the fighting is regulated, structured and sanctioned; that the fighters are professionals trained in the various techniques, including those used on the ground; that the audience are people who attend in a spirit of friendly sportsmanship. It is for these reasons that the CFMMA requests again that the state and its highest representative, Francois Hollande, legislate to recognize the existence of this sports discipline, and for it to be permitted under federal guidelines.”
