MMA control needed–Escudero

SEN. FRANCIS “Chiz” Escudero Monday called on government sports agencies to strictly monitor and implement regulations on both amateur and professional Mixed Martial Arts fights to ensure safety of Filipino athletes seeing action in the fast growing sport.

Escudero said the Games and Amusements Board and the Philippine Sports Commission should step in and make sure that safety requirements are followed in the wake of reports of the increasing number of so-called amateur fights being held in gyms and other public sporting venues.

“Mixed martial arts are no joke,” said Escudero. “It is brutal, even with the safety precautions being observed during fights. But we cannot say that all promoters could adhere to the safety requirements of the sport if they are not properly monitored and regulated.”

Escudero said that without a National Sports Association for MMA, fight promoters can circumvent rules to avoid GAB sanctions.

“Let’s not wait for an accident to happen, or for an athlete to die before we take action to ensure the safety of MMA athletes,” Escudero said.