IOWA MMA (MIXED MARTIAL ARTS) COMMUNITY UNITES TO PROVIDE EDUCATION REGARDING INCREASED SAFETY AND IMPROVED EVENTS
Posted on | April 27, 2007 | 2 Comments
Media Contact: Chris Arns (515) 274-0849 arns.chris@gmail.com
For Immediate Release
IOWA MMA (MIXED MARTIAL ARTS) COMMUNITY UNITES TO PROVIDE EDUCATION REGARDING INCREASED SAFETY AND IMPROVED EVENTS
Ames, IA- Hilton Coliseum, April 23. 2007- Some of the states top MMA promoters have extended personal invitations to key legislators and members of the media to attend an informational MMA demonstration during an upcoming Hilton Coliseum event. Attendees will receive a thorough explanation of the rules of the sport as well as a behind the scenes look at the high production levels employed in professional arena MMA shows.
Coliseum Carnage I, held on Saturday, April 28, is co-produced by Ft. Dodge based Extreme Contact Fighting, Bettendorf based Miletich Fighting Systems, and Des Moines based Title Fight Championship. “While MMA is enjoying mainstream media coverage and major financial backing, misconceptions regarding safety, regulations, and officiating have lead to a stigma regarding the sport” commented XCF’s Troy Waller. “MMA has grown into the largest venues and provides safety levels exceeding other professional sports. We want to make sure law makers and those who report on the sport do not have an unfair bias due to a lack of understanding” Waller went on to say.
Recently, proposed state legislation (S.F. 385) was introduced to increase state regulation of professional MMA. S.F. 385 was ultimately voted down, thus leaving the potential for deregulation of the sport. Lack of legislation regulating amateur and exhibition MMA events has allowed under capitalized events with inadequate officiating and has lead to misconceptions regarding large pro events like Coliseum Carnage I.
The UFC, MMA’s largest affiliation, weighed in on the subject. UFC VP of Regulatory Affairs, Marc Ratner stated “ One of the things we have to do is educate people and make them realize it’s not 1993 or 1994 anymore”. Former UFC World Champion, and current trainer and promoter Pat Miletich will be on hand at the Hilton Saturday night to provide education and to answer questions. Other UFC competitors, including Jens Pulver and Drew McFedries will provide information regarding training and the continued growth and success of MMA.
In a related story, another national MMA affiliation, the International Fight League (IFL) formed a strategic partnership with USA Wrestling, the National Governing Body of collegiate and Olympic wrestling. The partnership is intended to increase awareness of both sports, creating more branding opportunities, and to add viewers and fans. The partnership is generally considered a great vote of confidence for MMA and adds significant credibility regarding safety and regulating.
Coliseum Carnage I promoters will move to an even larger venue when Title Fight Championship and Extreme Contact Fighting co-produce Bad Moon Rising at Des Moines Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday, June 30.