Marcus Davis was a vocal supporter of Maine MMA legislation (photo: Sherdog)
Add Maine to the growing list of states that have passed MMA legislation. Earlier this week, Maine Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill that would establish the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine, which will be able to begin regulating events as soon as March 2010.
Despite initial skepticism about the sport's brutal nature, Gov. Baldacci was pleased with the new law's ability to establish rules and guidelines to protect fighters and the fans. During the signing of the bill, Baldacci said "When I first learned of the legislation, I was a little skeptical... I 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."
Some of the more well-known fighters from Maine include WEC 145-pound champion Mike Brown, former UFC heavyweight champion Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia and popular UFC welterweight Marcus Davis. Davis testified in favor of the sport at a March hearing, telling lawmakers about the way the sports large crowds would be a boost the state economy.
The signing of this bill is another victory for MMA fans in the northeast who long to be able to attend major MMA events live without travelling too far from home. Maine legislation is great news for fans who continue to await regulation in Massachusetts and New York.
For more info about MMA in the northeast: Please visit the Boston MMA Examiner's home page.
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