Mixed
Martial Arts Sanctioned In Md.
Reporting Kai Jackson ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)
One
of the world's most dangerous sports just won another
round in Maryland.
Kai
Jackson reports Governor Martin O'Malley has signed
a law allowing the state to sanction mixed martial
arts events. Local
athletes say they can't wait to compete in the controversial
sport. It's
fast and furious. MMA
in its current form has been on the map for about
15 years. It combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling
and Muay Thai boxing.
Now
the high energy, high contact sport can have bouts
in Maryland.
That's because on Thursday Governor Martin O'Malley
signed a law allowing it. "I
feel awesome man. Finally, that it's coming home.
You know, I've been traveling for the past five
years to different states to compete. You know,
next year, I should finally be able to compete here
in Maryland," said Binky Jones, MMA fighter.
"It's
not a sport that I've ever been to or that I claim
to be an aficionado of," said O'Malley.
Supporters
say MMA, like many sports, requires discipline and
hardwork. Those
who don't compete get the benefit of a heart-racing
workout. Whatever
the benefits, critics argue MMA is a brutal sport.Still,
others believe pain pays. Supporters say they recognize
MMA can bring big bucks to Maryland. "Mixed
martial arts, went from 15 years ago being this
unique, new thing to what is now a world-wide, billion
dollar industry, and I say billion with a 'B,'"
said Del. Kirill Reznik.
A
2006 Johns Hopkins study of MMA shows a high rate
of overall injury, but a rate in keeping with other
combat sports involving striking.
Because
of licensing requirements and training, MMA fights
won't take place in Maryland until next year.
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MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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