Pennsylvania Mixed Martial Arts

Dear Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission:

It has come to our attention that there is a current ban on Mixed Martial Arts events in Pennsylvania because the commission didn't like the rules. We are also under the understanding that the commission may review this decision in the future. There are nuances about the rules of Mixed Martial Arts that we would like to bring to your attention:

1. The fighters are required to wear gloves at these events. These gloves may only be 4 ounces, but they protect the well being of the fighter wearing them in the sense that it protects against knuckle and finger damage.

2. Mixed Martial Arts judges and referees are more discreet in decisions than boxing (Which Pennsylvania Currently Sanctions). When a Mixed Martial Arts fighter goes down or shows signs that he cannot intelligently defend himself, the fight is over. In boxing, a fighter has a ten count to regain his composure. When a fighter keeps getting knocked down and getting back up, this creates a very high risk of soft tissue and brain damage.

3. The cage that the fights occur in are safer than a ring most of the time. Yes, the cage does look a little more menacing. A cage will not allow a fighter to fall out of the combat area, and if a ring is used, it's a boxing ring that has already been approved.

4. All the potentially dangerous strikes (Such as elbows to the back of the head, stomps to the head, etc.) are prohibited in American Mixed Martial Arts competition.

We appreciate the time you've taken to read this and hear our side of things. We hope that when the commission reviews the decision you take all of this into consideration. Mixed Martial Arts in America has really evolved since it's conception in 1993, and we're hoping that Pennsylvania can be a part of a sport that has never had one fatality in sanctioned mathces.