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A committee of the Michigan
legislature is considering a bill that would require participants in amateur
mixed martial arts fights to prove they are not positive for HIV or hepatitis
prior to fighting. Michigan legalized amateur mixed martial arts fighting,
which includes boxing, wrestling, and jujitsu, in 2008.
Rep. Harvey Santana (D-Detroit)
urged the legislative committee to pass the bill, which would establish HIV and
hepatitis testing requirements, standards for the length and number of rounds,
and weight classes. The safety measures also would mandate the presence of a
medical professional at all fights and require fight promoters to insure
fighters for at least $10,000 of medical expenses. The committee must first
approve the bill before sending it to the legislature for a final vote. The
bill could face opposition from lawmakers who oppose additional government
regulation.
The bill’s advocates included Al
Low, owner of Michigan’s Fight Club Proving Ground and former chairman of the
Unarmed Combat Commission for professional mixed martial arts.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
