Contact:
Bill McFarlane 925-998-2580
wmmcf@msn.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Fastest Growing Sport in the World is Coming to Arizona
AZ Governor Passes Ultimate Fighting Bill
MMA Legend Ken Shamrock was instrumental in HB 2834 passage
Phoenix, AZ. – April 30, 2008 – Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) HB 2834, sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Paton, was signed into law by Gov. Janet Napolitano on Monday. The new law mandates that the state adopt rules allowing ultimate fighting competitions in Arizona. The law will allow the Arizona State Boxing Commission to start using rules for unarmed combat that are consistent with the mixed martial arts unified rules of conduct adopted by the New jersey state athletic control board. The rules will go into effect 90 days after the legislative session ends.
“I am extremely pleased that we were able to agree on a bill that will effectively promote commerce and bring a very popular sport to the state,” said Rep. Jonathan Paton.
MMA Legend and UFC Hall of Fame member Ken Shamrock was HB 2834 chief backer outside of the political arena. Shamrock offered his full support and guidance throughout the legislative process. Ken Shamrock felt that educating members of the legislature about the sport of mixed martial arts was imperative. In addition, Shamrock provided facts and statistics to back his claims that sanctioning MMA in Arizona would benefit the state on many different levels.
“I wanted to clear up any misconceptions members had about MMA. It is far from the “human cock-fighting” analogy used years ago by John McCain. There are rules in place to ensure the safety of participants. Over the years fighters have sustained fewer injuries during MMA competitions than in boxing. Mixed Martial Arts is a legitimate sport that takes considerable skill and intelligence,” states Shamrock.
“I was very fortunate to work with the Arizona Legislature, including Rep. Jonathan Paton (R) and Senate Chief of Staff Victor Ritches (R), as well as with John Montano, the Associate Director of the Boxing Commission on this bill. Now fans can see the action live and local fighters can participate in MMA events in their home state. I am extremely excited about the prospect of bringing professional MMA events to Arizona."
On May 30th Shamrock will open one of his hallmark training facilities in Arizona, Lion’s Den Scottsdale. Members of the new facility will have the opportunity to train with superior instructors and along side elite athletes. MMA fans can train at the same facility as the fighters they cheer on in competition. One more victory for Arizona mixed martial arts fans.
About Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den Scottsdale:
Scottsdale based Lion’s Den Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Training Center located at 2954 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale is the only training facility of its kind in Arizona. This state-of-the-art facility has over 8,000 square feet of training area, including 3,000 square feet of grappling and striking mat space, a full weight and cardio room, professional size boxing ring and a competition octagon for mixed martial arts. Lions Den Scottsdale employs a world renowned team of instructors, hand selected by the legendary Ken Shamrock to ensure that every member exceeds their personal goals in each selected discipline. Programs are offered in Muay Thai/Kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Grappling, Mixed Martial Arts and Sports Conditioning. Lions Den also offers the best in child martial arts programs. Classes are set up to accommodate all ages and skill levels, from entry level students to world class athletes. Private lessons are also available. At Lion’s Den Scottsdale you don’t have to be a world Champion to train like one. For more information call 480-941-LION or visit http://www.lionsdenaz.com.
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