Proposal to Allow Mixed Martial Arts in Maine Makes Legislative Headway

The Maine House has overwhelmingly approved legislation allowing mixed martial arts competition in Maine by a vote of 119 to 17. Supporters point out that several of the top-rated mixed martial arts fighters are from Maine, yet they can’t compete in their own state. According to Capitol News Service, they also argue that allowing the fights would give the economy a boost.

Rep. Matthew Petersen, a Rumford Democrat who’s sponsoring the bill, says the sport is now “regulated and recognized by the world’s most pretigious sports regulatory bodies.”

“According to the Ohio Athletic Commission, this single MMA (mixed martial arts) event produced $11 million in external economic activity for the city,” Petersen said.

But opponents argue that the mixed martial arts competition is nothing more than fighting with little oversight, and that it sets a bad example for kids. They say the state should not be allowing events that are bound to be violent, vicious and bloody and brutal. The proposal faces further votes in both the House and Senate.

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