Premier

More Tourists and More Jobs with MMA Safety Enclosure

04 March 2015

The Andrews Labor Government will enhance Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s sporting capital by implementing world-class safety regulations to govern Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Mixed Martial Arts is one of the world’s fastest growing sports. It is legal in Victoria but current regulations mean that MMA promotions can only be held in a boxing ring. Promotions such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will only hold events within fenced-in enclosures.

The new regulations will make the sport safer by introducing a ‘safety enclosure’, such as the octagon, giving the green light to UFC bouts in Victoria that will boost tourism and create jobs.

Minister for Sport, John Eren, joined UFC Executive Vice-President and General Manager, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, Tom Wright, at Etihad Stadium today to announce the new regulatory changes that will pave the way for the UFC and other MMA promotions in Victoria.

The Labor Government is honouring its election commitment to lift the ban on holding MMA events in a safety enclosure – a move industry experts say will increase safety and reduce the likelihood of serious injury.

The previous Liberal Government failed to properly regulate the growing sport and protect its participants, but today’s announcement will ensure the integrity and the safety of the sport is upheld.

The Labor Government’s plan gives Victoria an opportunity to tap into the multi-million dollar industry and stage yet another major sporting event that can attract worldwide attention.

Quotes attributed to Minister for Sport, John Eren

“Our plan will boost tourism and major events, create local jobs and protect the safety of our sportspeople.”

“Let’s be clear: Mixed Martial Arts is already legal in Victoria. More than 70 bouts were held last year. We’re making the sport safer so we can bring UFC to our state.”

“If we don’t host one of the world’s fastest growing sports, how can we call ourselves the sporting capital of the world?”

“We want to tap into this multi-million dollar market but unsafe laws are getting in the way.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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