MMA Fights for a Bright Future in South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Mixed martial arts is growing in popularity in South Dakota.

The Argus Leader reports reigning middleweight champion Chris Weidman is coming to Sioux Falls for medical care and to enhance his training. It's also where his agent, Dave Martin, is based.

The South Dakota Athletic Commission has also started meeting. The Legislature created the group in March to oversee MMA, boxing and kickboxing.

A new law will regulate MMA in the state, taking South Dakota off the short list of states that doesn't sanction the sport that combines striking and grappling disciplines.

A spokesman for Gov. Dennis Daugaard says the commission could sanction an event by the end of this year or early next year.

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