Today will go down in history for amateur fighters across Michigan as Governor Rick Snyder signed into law Senate Bill 152. The sport will now be safer for those athletes as pre-fight medical exams will now be required for all fighters participating in mixed martial arts.

The medical exams are similar to those already required by professional fighters which also includes testing for blood-borne diseases and drugs and alcohol. Additionally, the bill regulates events so that fighters are competing in similar weight classes.

“Participation in amateur mixed martial arts has grown considerably in Michigan, and it’s important to consider public health and safety so the participants know they are protected when they enter competitions,” Snyder said.

Prior to today, amateur MMA was legal in Michigan but was not regulated. This opened up the door for promotions to take advantage of fighters. Over the years, many organizations and groups have tried to get Michigan to regulate the amateur side of the sport. Finally, the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) the national governing body asked that neighboring states ban promotions from using fighters who have competed in Michigan.

It is unclear when the surrounding states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania, will lift the ban and allow fighters from Michigan to compete. This could help the Ohio Valley region as Michigan has produced some talented fighters over the years including UFC fighters Daron Cruickshank and Miles Jury.

Also, side into law today was House Bill 4286. This bill will make it a felony for a fight promoter that allows a professional fighter, boxer or mixed martial artist, to compete in a fight with an amateur fighter.

What are your thoughts on Michigan regulating amateur MMA? Do you think it was a long time coming? Do you think it will promote the sport throughout the region? Let us know in the comments below.