The measure sponsored by Rep. Curry Todd, a Memphis Republican, was approved 95-2 on Tuesday. The companion bill was scheduled for the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday.
Currently, it is a misdemeanor for any person to engage in any unauthorized brutal sport or exhibition that may result in serious bodily injury to the participants.
Professional boxing matches, including professional kickboxing matches, held in Tennessee are subject to regulation by the state commissioner of commerce and insurance.
This bill would create a new commission to regulate amateur events and professional contests of unarmed combat sport competition.
They're not over the hump yet, but this has been a long time coming. Lots of individuals and groups are working to make this happen including native Tennessean and UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. It's encouraging to see their efforts bear some fruit.
The bill - HB2633 - can be viewed here.
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