The initial draft language for the Muhammad Ali Expansion Act was made public last week. The language, while likely not the final version, amends the existing act which protects boxers.
The UFC opposes federal regulation of its sport. Lawrence Epstein, the company’s Chief Operating Officer told ESPN, “We continue to believe the federal government would have no productive role in regulating MMA promotions or competitions.” This is not the first time the company has lobbied against regulation. According to Fox Sports.com, Zuffa hired lobbyists to help them oppose Senator John McCain’s proposed amendments to the Ali Act.
Officially the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 amends the Muhammad Ali Act. It was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Energy and Commerce in late May.
Muhammad Ali Expansion Act by JASONCRUZ206
Payout Perspective:
The language essentially expands the current law to include combat sports. The language and sections are changed but there is nothing wholly different from the existing law other than combat sports are now a part of the proposed law. Certainly, the expansion of the Ali Act could cause the UFC, Bellator and other organizations to change its business practices to ensure that it is in compliance with the law. However, the utility of the law has proven to be a difficult obstacle for fighters that have sued under the Ali Act.
The UFC has retained a lobbying firm to oppose the regulation. A letter to the committees which will evaluate the proposed law, signed by mainly Republican-backed groups, has been circulating opposing the expansion. On the other end, MMAFA has released a letter in support of the law. The letter is signed by many fighters in support of the bill.
Uh Oh….