Organizations Failed to Comply with Iowa Law
DES MOINES ñ The Iowa Labor/Athletic Commissioner is issuing a cease and desist order against the Xtreme Fighting Championship 7 events scheduled for Friday night in Iowa City at the Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon and Saturday night at Steamboat Rock Schoolhouse in Steamboat Rock, Iowa.
Iowa’s Mixed Martial Arts laws changed July 1st requiring promoters to submit fighter blood work, show proof of medical insurance, submit fighter contracts and ensure that all fighters, professional or amateur, are 18 years of age or older. The event promoter, Travis Fulton, has failed to license and bond his events with the State of Iowa.
“The laws surrounding mixed martial arts fights are there to protect everyone involved,” stated Iowa Labor Commissioner David Neil. “The licenses, bonds and medical certifications ensure that fighters are in condition before the match and the required health insurance prevents Iowans from picking up the bill for medical expenses when fighters frequently end up in the emergency room following a match.”
Iowa issued nearly 140 fight licenses in 2010 and most promoters work cooperatively with the department and follow the laws to ensure that all safety and health measures are intact. The few promoters who consistently try to skirt Iowa’s laws present an unprofessional image that affects everyone involved in the sport.
Promoters who hold fights in violation of Iowa’s Mixed Martial Arts laws are subject to a $10,000 administrative fine and a criminal conviction of a serious misdemeanor.
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