How to hold amateur mixed martial arts events

There are 3 ways to hold an amateur mixed martial arts event:

  1. Under a training facility license.
    For requirements, see below.
  2. Overseen by a licensed sanctioning organization.
    For requirements, see below.
  3. Overseen by the Department of Licensing.
    These events have the same requirements as Professional events.

Requirements

  Events held under a training facility license Events overseen by a licensed sanctioning organization
Valid licenses required for: Training facility
  • Sanctioning organization
  • Participants
  • Promoter
  • Officials
Event location The training facility where you’re licensed and offer training. A location other than a training facility.
Minimum age of participants 12 years or older 18 years or older
Weight difference allowed between participants
  • 15 years and under, no more than 5 pounds.
  • 16 years and over, no more than 10 pounds.
 
(If both participants weigh 205 pounds or more, these allowances don’t apply.)		 No more than 10 pounds.
 
(If both participants weigh 205 pounds or more, this allowance doesn’t apply.)
Minimum protective equipment for participants
  • Martial arts shin guards with instep pads.
  • 6-ounce amateur mixed martial arts sparring-style gloves that are whole, clean, sanitary, and in good condition.
  • Mouthpiece.
  • Groin protector (male participants only).
 
(An extra set of gloves must be kept at ringside during the bout.)
  • Martial arts shin guards with instep pads.
  • 6-ounce amateur mixed martial arts sparring-style gloves that are whole, clean, sanitary, and in good condition.
  • Mouthpiece.
  • Groin protector (male participants only).
 
(An extra set of gloves must be kept at ringside during the bout.)
People who must be present at the bout The training facility representative
  • A physician
    or An ambulance or paramedic unit with transport and resuscitation capabilities
  • A representative of the sanctioning organization
Number of rounds
  • Nonchampionship bouts: No more than 3 rounds.
  • Championship bouts: No more than 5 rounds.
  • Nonchampionship bouts: No more than 3 rounds.
  • Championship bouts: No more than 5 rounds.
Duration of rounds No longer than 3 minutes, with a 1-minute rest period between them. No longer than 3 minutes, with a 1-minute rest period between them.
Minimum required fouls (penalties) All fouls listed under
WAC 36-14-510.		 All fouls listed under
WAC 36-14-510.
Suspensions required after the event None
  • Minimum suspension: 6 days
  • Technical knockout: 30 days
  • Knockout: 60 days
 
To see if an MMA fighter is on suspension, see the Official Database of Mixed Martial Arts.
Advertising All advertisements must state the event is amateur. All advertisements must state the event is amateur.
Reporting and notification None required. The sanctioning organization must:
  • Notify us in writing at least 14 days before an event is held. The notification must include the:
    • Name of the licensed promoter.
    • Date and time of the event.
    • Location of the event.
    • Name of the representative in charge of the event.
  • Report suspensions and event results to us within 48 business hours after the event by submitting a completed Mixed Martial Arts Bout Results form.
 
Note: We’ll report all event results and suspensions to the Association of Boxing Commissions’ national database. To see if an MMA fighter is on suspension, please visit the Official Database of Mixed Martial Arts.
Responsible for:
  • Health and safety of participants
  • Seeing that laws and rules are followed
 Training facility Sanctioning organization
Access Washington