Article: Lawmakers fighting for mixed martial arts in state ; Legislation would create state regulations for sport and open door for UFC fight in 2010

BOSTON - Massachusetts has begun the process of opening the door to mixed martial arts, a sport that could be regulated here in time for the hosting of an Ultimate Fighting Championship event next summer.

The state Senate voted Tuesday to approve regulations for the sport. Without such regulations in place, the industry-leading UFC organization will not stage one of it shows - shows that can generate millions of dollars in tourist spending.

Forty states have passed laws sanctioning the sport.

"I think that the sport's growing, and the ... state is realizing that it is of a veritable financial interest to the state," said Scott Lockhart of Abington, who co-owns the South Shore Sports Fighting ...

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