The California State Athletic Commission has unanimously voted to approve and regulate bare-knuckle and slap fighting in the state, following similar decisions by commissions in Florida, Utah, and New York.
So, here’s the scoop. The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has given the green light to bare-knuckle fighting. This decision places California alongside states like Florida, Utah, and New York, where this form of combat is already legal.
The vote was a landslide, with a 6-0 unanimous decision. This means that bare-knuckle fighting events will start popping up around the state. The CSAC will be the one keeping an eye on these events, just like they do with MMA and boxing.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. BKFC, which is the big kahuna of bare-knuckle fighting promotions, is already making moves. They’ve announced plans to bring a card to California in spring 2024. The exact date and location are still up in the air, but it’s happening. And it’s not just California – BKFC has been spreading its wings and expanding into more states.
California’s decision could be a game-changer. It’s likely to influence other athletic commissions around the U.S. to follow suit. After all, California is seen as one of the gold standards for commissions. And it’s all under the watchful eye of executive director Andy Foster.
But wait, there’s more! The commission didn’t just approve bare-knuckle fighting. They also gave the thumbs up to slap fighting. This news was music to the ears of UFC CEO Dana White, who quickly celebrated the announcement on Instagram. White has been pushing for slap fighting to be legalized in Nevada, where his Power Slap promotion regularly holds events.
There’s no word yet on when Power Slap will make its way to California. But with the sport now being regulated in the state, it’s only a matter of time. So, stay tuned!