In May 2016, Oklahoma Republican Congressman Markwayne Mullin introduced an expansion of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act to include MMA. A Congressional Subcommittee hearing was conducted in December to discuss the issues related to mixed martial arts and how the introduced law would help fighters. In addition to Congressman Mullin, it is co-sponsored by […]
Ali Act
Ali Act sponsor claims UFC attempted to influence witness list of congressional hearing
Bloody Elbow reports that the UFC threatened not to participate at a Congressional subcommittee hearing on MMA and the possible expansion of the Ali Act set for Thursday. The power play was due to Randy Couture’s participation as a witness at the hearing. According to the bill’s sponsor, Republican congressman Markwayne Mullin, the UFC attempted […]
Congressional hearing on Ali Act Expansion set for December 8th
The Congressional subcommittee on energy and commerce will have a hearing this Tuesday on the Expansion of the Muhammad Ali Act. According to the notice, the hearing is entitled, “Mixed Martial Arts: Issues and Perspectives.” No witnesses have been announced and are by invitation only. A webcast will be available for public viewing. Republican Oklahoma […]
President-elect meets with UFC owner
President-elect Donald Trump met with his former Hollywood agent, and current UFC owner Ari Emanuel on Sunday. Emanuel met the President-elect at his New Jersey golf course. Trump touted Emmanuel as “the king of Hollywood.” The substance of the meeting was not revealed. Despite being a longtime Democratic fund-raiser, Trump called Emanuel a “great friend.” […]