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 […]
Ali Act
UFC hires Farragut Partners to address Ali Act expansion
According to a PR industry web site O’Dwyer’s PR, the UFC has retained a Washington D.C. lobbying firm Farragut Partners to combat the expansion of the Muhammad Ali Act. The D.C. based firm was formed this year. They are an offshoot of partners from another firm. They have a list of clients in the telecommunications, […]
Amendment to Ali Act introduced on Thursday
The much-anticipated bill seeking to amend the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was introduced by Oklahoma congressman Markwayne Mullin this past Thursday. No text of the act which would amend the current law is available for the public but one would think that this should be available soon. Democrat Joseph Kennedy is co-sponsoring the bill. […]
Bellator MMA sued for wrongful termination
Zachery Light has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Bellator MMA and Viacom citing wrongful termination based on public policy. Light, a former MMA fighter and employee of Bellator, claims various wrongdoings while working under Scott Coker. The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday by Light’s attorney, William Crosby. Light, a former amateur […]
UFC contacts legislator seeking to amend Ali Act
Last week, ESPN ran an article on the proposed amendment to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act which would cover mixed martial artists. Oklahoma congressman Markwayne Mullin has indicated that he would spearhead the effort to amend the law to extend to all combat sports including MMA. While Bellator has indicated it would support such […]