California State Athletic Commission votes to support Ali Act

On Wednesday, the California State Athletic Commission unanimously voted to support the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act. The Commission voted 6-0 in favor of the Act which would amend the current legislation in place.

Last month, the Commission had open comment on the Act which would allow the use of Unified Boxing Organizations (i.e., Zuffa Boxing) to run parallel with sanctioning bodies and promotions. Thus, it would create another UFC-structure in boxing with Zuffa Boxing being able to promote as well as put together its fights. They would also create its own pay structure, and one might assume, it is a ‘take it or leave it’ situation as is the UFC.

A variety of individuals had an opportunity to speak for or against the Ali Act. While several former UFC fighters such as Chris Leben and Forrest Griffin support the Act, several former UFC fighters spoke against it.

The CSAC unanimously votes to support the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (6-0)

Over 90 members of the public joined virtually. The public comment portion included:

Endorsements:
– Nick Khan, WWE president
– John McCarthy, longtime official
– Chris Leben, former UFC…

— Nolan King (@mma_kings) October 15, 2025

At last month’s meeting, the Commission decided to create a subcommittee to study the proposed law and come back in December (presumably with a recommendation). However, it appears that the Commission sped up its subcommittee’s inquiry.

Payout Perspective:

The vote to support the bill is a win for TKO as the second biggest state in the US which holds many events has endorsed the new law. Clearly the timeline reflects the notion that TKO wanted this endorsement prior to Congress coming back for the legislative session (assuming the Government reopens). The endorsements seems hastily skewed in favor of TKO and it successfully lobbied the Commission to vote its way. The ex-fighters that spoke up against the Boxing Revival Act warned of the perils of the UFC business strategy and it creates a scenario which the current Ali Act prevents.