A new bill introduced in the Nebraska Legislature would expand the list of state sanctioned combat sports to include professional bare-knuckle mixed martial arts (MMA), amateur kickboxing, muay thai, slap fighting, and “MMA on Ice.”
Yes. Like Disney on Ice, but more striking and grappling.
State Senator Ben Hansen, a practicing chiropractor from the City of Blair, brought legislative bill 635 before the General Affairs committee on Monday. He said the combat-sports community suggested these events be authorized for regulation by the State Athletic Commissioner, Aaron Hendry, who currently oversees all professional/amateur mixed martial arts performed in the Nebraska. Including boxing, professional kickboxing, and professional bare-knuckle boxing — unless hosted by schools, the military, or associations for contestants under 16-years-old.
“The combat sporting events regulated by the Athletic Commission usually host thousands of people in the stands, with many more watching on pay per view,” said Hansen. “So far, these events have been held in Omaha, Lincoln, North Platte, Kearney, Scotts Bluff, South, Sioux City and other cities, profiting the economy and bringing revenue to both the state and local businesses.”
By regulating these brawls, Hansen said its demonstrates that combat sports can be conducted safely while adhering to the law. Additionally, he said this would free up event promoters, who typically do not host combat sporting events in a states where the legal authority is non-existent or vague.
“By embracing these emerging sports, Nebraska could become a leader in our development, leveraging the existing sports culture and infrastructure to capitalize on the growing demand for high energy alternative combat sports,” Hansen told the committee.
Asked for a description of ‘MMA on Ice,’ Hansen said “In essence, competitors will be in full hockey gear, with the exception of MMA gloves instead of hockey gloves… The bout consists of 2-minute rounds, with a 30-second overtime in the case of a draw. In the case of a knockdown, a competitor will receive a 10 count to get themselves back up to a standing position. It’s very similar to boxing, except they’re wearing ice skates, and they’re dressed in hockey gear.”
“But it is on ice?” a committee member asked.
“Synthetic ice. Yes,” Hansen replied.
If approved by lawmakers, Hansen said most competitors would likely come from out-of-state at first. But said many Nebraskans have long trained in these sports.
Under the purview of the Athletic Commission, participants would likely be asked to sign a release of liability waiver in the case of injury. Hansen said the athletic commissioner’s office and promoters helped draft the bill.
A few organizers, coaches and fighters testified in support of the bill.
Nebraska would be the 6th state in the country to legalize slap fighting, joining Nevada, California, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma.
Still waiting on bare knuckle and BKFC to come to Ohio 
I’m hoping for a show in Columbus. Sooner than later. They could put together a solid card that I’m sure would sell well.
They have Ohio Combat League here. Have you ever been? I’ve been wanting to go to a show.
Ya, I’ve been to a few of their MMA shows but its been years ago.
Also, welcome to the OG! Glad to have a fellow central Ohioan on board.
My coach testified before the state legislature about this yesterday… We’ll see what happens.
I see you have Kevin Randleman’s pic on profile. I used to stay and train with back in the day. Back when he was fighting and training for Maurice Smith and Bas Rutten.
He is still the most explosive athlete Ive ever had the opportunity to go live with.
Wild nights out as well! Lol
Hammer House 4 Life!
I actually live in Piqua right now but still teach a few private lessons each week in Columbus.
It’s like my second home 
Well…Nebraska…
You still stink but this is the step in the right direction
Dude that nuts you lived and trained with Randleman! Were you on the OSU wrestling team or part of Hammer House? I’ve lived in Columbus since 2005 but used to visit my dad here and we would watch UFC tapes all the time. Coleman and Randleman were my heroes as a kid getting into combat sports.
I Merember Baki !