Illinois Steps Into Mixed Martial Arts Cage

June 28, 2008

source: Jay Taft, RRStar.com

The Illinois State boxing commission will assume responsibility for MMA

regulation on 7/1. The move could quickly make the state, and particularly

Chicago, a hotspot for the sport:

Illinois is ready to take its place in the mixed martial arts world.

And always known as a fighter’s town, Rockford is sure to be in the mix.

Beginning Tuesday, the state boxing commission will take over all

professional MMA bouts in Illinois, overseeing and regulating everything within

the borders. The days of different rules at every event, and inexperienced judges

making bad calls, appear to be over.

Some are downplaying the affect it will have on the sport in the area, while

others are having a difficult time controlling their excitement. The common

theme among all local MMA fans, promoters, fighters and officials is that change

is on the way.

“There is no doubt,” former local kickboxing great and current MMA up-and-comer Bryce Franck said, “things will be different; in a lot of ways. Once the state steps in, we’ll see changes immediately.”

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