Earlier this week, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported that the Nevada Athletic Commission will require all licensed fighters to undergo regular brain health testing. Arizona senator John McCain, Spike TV President Kevin Kay and Bellator MMA President Scott Coker were present with an announcement occurring on Capitol Hill.
The Cleveland Clinic will assess the athletes using its iPad app that can help detect the symptoms of concussions.
Senator McCain spoke with MMA Fighting’s Luke Thomas regarding the announcement. He also indicated that he would be in favor of extending the Muhammad Ali Act to MMA.
For those that did not know, Senator McCain was the original sponsor of the Ali Act.
Payout Perspective:
This is a step in the right direction for the sport as we see that the continued advances in science and technology helping detect brain injury. As for Senator McCain’s comments, I understand the sentiment and the rationale for extending the Ali Act to MMA. The question is whether the law, as presently drafted, is living up to the intent of what it hoped to accomplished. While Bellator may be behind amending the Ali Act, the UFC appears to not have the same position on this subject.
tops E says
Good news….dw losing more power hahahahaha..
Fight Fan says
Ufc is a little monopoly and they see the writing on the wall, their time is coming to an end as their operations will not be the same.
tops E says
They need to sell asap to flash and china media hahahaha..
tops E says
http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2636243-conor-mcgregor-and-ronda-rousey-are-responsible-for-the-ufcs-resurgence. The brand has gone weaker…hahaha.pay the fighters right
Wil says
I actually agree on that, without McGregor and Rousey what does the UFC really have that makes it more special to the consumer than Bellator? And yes, the Ali Act should apply to mma as well…..boxers, kickboxers, and cage fighters are all FIGHTERS.
d says
Wil, you once again can’t take yourself seriously, can you? Bellator has done 1 ppv that did 100k buys. The UFC’s lowest drawing headliner could hit 100k buys at any time.
Diego says
“The question is whether the law, as presently drafted, is living up to the intent of what it hoped to accomplished.”
My point exactly. I don’t think the Ali act is working in boxing. I’m all for extending it to MMA, but boxers are still not getting adequate protection, so I’m not holding my breath that it will resolve all of MMA’s issues.