UFC Bouts OK'ed for Arizona

State Capitol, Phoenix The Ultimate Fighting Championship is officially on its way to Arizona with the final round in Rep. Jonathan Paton's effort to bring the sport here completed. HB2834 directs the Arizona Boxing Commission to adopt a clearly defined set of rules that would permit unarmed combat contests to take place in Arizona. The governor signed the bill last Monday. "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. Paton. The law shall stipulate that the Arizona Boxing Commission be required to adopt rules for unarmed combat consistent with the unified rules for mixed martial arts consistent with the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. The law takes effect 90 days after the legislative session ends.