Sioux Falls Leader Wants to End Mixed Martial Arts Ban

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A Sioux Falls city councilwoman wants to end the city's decade-old ban on mixed martial arts competitions at city-owned facilities.

Christine Erickson tells the Argus Leader the policy is keeping the sport's biggest promotion companies away.

The City Council in 2005 adopted a policy prohibiting MMA fights in city parks and buildings and required bouts held at private sites to be licensed with the police department. Erickson said that was a reaction to an increase in the number of organized fighting events without any government oversight.

South Dakota last year established a regulatory athletic commission that oversees fighting sports. Erickson says local rules are no longer necessary.

Athletic Commission Executive Director Jennifer Stalley and Police Capt. Rich Miller both say state rules are more stringent than Sioux Falls' rules.

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