SB327 Summary

• Renames the Alabama Boxing Commission to the Alabama Athletic Commission and extends its regulatory authority to include professional mixed martial arts, which shall be regulated the same as professional boxing unless rules are not applicable by nature.

• Defines "mixed martial arts" as unarmed combat involving any combination of techniques from different martial arts disciplines including grappling, submission holds, throws, and striking or kicking with hands, feet, knees, or elbows, and includes kickboxing.

• Establishes a five-member commission appointed by the Governor, Alabama Athlete Agents Commission, Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate, with a medical advisory panel of four physicians specializing in neurology, ophthalmology, sports medicine, and general medicine.

• Requires professional boxers and mixed martial arts competitors to be licensed annually (fee not to exceed $250), with promoters and match permits also requiring separate licenses ($250 each) and performance bonds; establishes penalties including Class C felony for knowing violations by managers, promoters, and matchmakers.

• Mandates pre-fight medical certification, continuous ringside physician presence, inspector oversight, health insurance coverage for competitors, and ambulance availability at all professional events; prohibits persons under 18 from competing professionally.