Publishing Protocol and Timeline for the Scheduling of
Professional MMA Events
- The protocol and timeline for the scheduling of professional MMA events in the State of Maryland
will be published on the Maryland State Athletic Commission / Department of Labor, Licensing and
Regulation (DLLR) website at some point prior to July 6, 2009.
[Note: In addition to its efforts to establish a protocol and timeline for the scheduling
of professional MMA events, the Maryland State Athletic Commission also will be establishing
criteria in the near future for the approval of amateur kickboxing organizations and
amateur MMA organizations to supervise amateur MMA contests in the State of Maryland.]
Effective Date of MMA Regulations
- MMA regulations became effective on July 6, 2009.
Acceptance of Proposed Dates to Hold Professional MMA Events
- So that the Maryland State Athletic Commission is able to effectively,
and fairly, consider each request for its sanctioning of a professional MMA event, promoters will
be required to apply to the Commission for sanctioning of a professional MMA event
at least 60 days prior to the date of the proposed professional MMA event.
- A promoter will be permitted to schedule a professional MMA event more than 60 days
from the date of applying to the Maryland State Athletic Commission for a sanction; provided
that the promoter submits to the Commission a signed contractual agreement between the promoter
and the venue for the specified date on which the event is to be held.
Applying for Dates on a First-Come, First-Served Basis
- Licensed promoters are welcome to apply to the Maryland State Athletic Commission for dates to
hold professional MMA events on a "first come, first served" basis. Promoters should send written
correspondence to the Commission via facsimile, e-mail, U.S. mail or hand-delivery requesting a
specific date, location and time to hold a professional MMA event.
- A licensed promoter may apply for only one date to hold a professional MMA event in any of the
30-day segments noted above; however, a promoter may designate one alternative date in the same
30-day segment for the Commission's consideration in the event the promoter loses a "lottery" as
described below. If the promoter's first choice for a date is approved by the Commission, the
promoter's second choice for a date will not be considered by the Commission.
- In instances where two or more promoters formally apply to the Commission on the same day for the
same date, and none of the promoters are holding a professional MMA event in a venue which
seats more than 5,000 people (see below), a lottery system will be invoked to determine
which promoter receives the Commission's approval for that date.
Venues of 5,000 Seats or More
- In instances where two or more promoters apply on the same day for the same date, the Maryland
State Athletic Commission will first approve the request of the promoter who is holding a
professional MMA event in a venue which seats more than 5,000 people; provided that the promoter
submits to the Commission a signed contractual agreement between the promoter and the venue which
seats more than 5,000 people for the specified date on which the event is to be held.
- A promoter who is holding a professional MMA event in a venue which seats more than 5,000 people
will not be subject to the 60-day time frames (noted above) on scheduling a professional MMA
event; and will be permitted to apply for a date to hold a professional MMA event on any date
within six months (180 days) of the date the promoter applies to the Commission for approval.
One Sanctioned Boxing, Kickboxing or MMA Event Permitted Per Night
- Due to the availability and duties of Maryland State Athletic Commission staff, the Commission
will only sanction and regulate one boxing, kickboxing or MMA event per night. Unless special
permission is granted by the Commission, a boxing, kickboxing or MMA event cannot be held on the same
night as the scheduled weigh-in activity of another event.
Out-of State MMA Officials
- Along with experienced MMA officials (referees and judges) who reside in the State of Maryland,
the Maryland State Athletic Commission may utilize experienced MMA officials (referees and judges)
who live out-of-state to officiate professional MMA events.
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