Corps Gives Fed Cover to Illegal BoutOctober 17, 2008
The Beaufort Gazette
A mixed martial arts competition this weekend at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island will give event promoters a chance to showcase their sport and legally hold their event in South Carolina.
By holding the event on federal property, promoters are exempt from a state law that prohibits MMA events.
International Championship Fighting, a Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts entertainment company, will hold its first event in the Palmetto State on Saturday night at Parris Island's All Weather Training Facility.
"Since we're having it on base, we're federally regulated and not subject to those laws, so it's like killing two birds with one stone," said Rico White, ICF president and CEO. "We want to show everyone that we put on a good presentation and handle ourselves with professionalism."
South Carolina outlawed mixed martial arts in 2003 and prohibits the S.C. State Athletic Commission from issuing permits to promoters or athletes to participate in mixed martial arts competitions similar to those given to those promoting boxing and kickboxing matches. There is no such federal ban.
Rest of article at:
http://www.military.com/news/article/corps-gives-fed-cover-to-illegal-bout.html?col=1186032310810