Maryland Legalizes MMA; Holds First Event
With the growth in popularity mixed martial arts has experienced over the past few years, promoters and fighters have fought to overcome regulatory hurdles and encourage athletic commissions to sanction events. Following a July decision by the athletic commission, Maryland has become the 35th state to legalize and sanction mixed martial arts competition. The state's first event, put on by new organization "Shogun Fights," was held on October 24 in Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena. Both the event and the movement supporting regulation were lead by local trainer John Rallo who has a long history in the sport. "I have been involved in MMA since 1998. It is a great sport, with great athletes."