UFC trying to avoid FS1 1 licensing issue

The UFC is attempting to dodge a legal nightmare as there is a possibility of having the debut card on the new Fox Sports 1 1 from being displaced from its Boston location.  A state legal requirement that fighters must have a social security card may derail the August 17th event.

A state law requiring all fighters licensed in Massachusetts must have a social security number according to The Boston Herald which first reported the issue. It was a requirement of the Massachusetts Department of Safety since it began regulating MMA in 2010.  Yet, it apparently was not enforced when the UFC held an event in Boston in 2010.

The UFC’s Marc Ratner told MMA Fighting that Massachusetts is the only state that requires a social security number of its fighters.

All concern for the event was seemingly put to bed as the UFC issued a press release promoting the show at the TD Center on Tuesday morning.  But, another release posted Tuesday night stated that it expects a “positive outcome.”

The UFC will still need to clear some licensing issues as it must apply for social security numbers for fighters that are in need of visas to fight in the US.  You must have a visa for 10 days before receiving a social security number. According to this document from Social Security, there are two ways to apply for a SS#.  The first is to apply with your visa application in your home country.  If you did not apply for a SS# on your visa application you must be in the United States 10 days before applying for a social security card.

According to the licensing requirements under the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission, section 6.01(9) states: “…all applicants for licensure shall provide their social security number on the application.”

Payout Perspective:

This certainly could be a PR debacle if the UFC cannot get its fighters social security numbers.  However, it looks as though the UFC is working toward getting the appropriate paperwork finished in order to obtain the social security numbers.  In this instance, the fact it had held an event in Boston previously without any enforcement of the social security number requirement may negate some heat off of this issue.  Yet, it had to be someone’s job to ensure that all non-citizens would be able to compete on the card.  This would mean making sure that it was in compliance with state rules.