Amateur mixed martial arts events

Learn how to hold an amateur mixed martial arts event under a training facility license, overseen by a licensed sanctioning organization, or overseen by the Department of Licensing.

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

  • Under a training facility license
  • Overseen by a licensed sanctioning organization
  • Overseen by the Department of Licensing

Requirements for events held under a training facility license

Follow the steps below to hold an event at a licensed amateur mixed martial arts training facility.

1. Get licensed

You must have an amateur mixed martial arts training facility license.

2. Submit the required forms

You don't need to notify the Department of Licensing or submit any forms before holding an event at an amateur mixed martial arts training facility.

3. Meet the participant requirements

Minimum age of participants

All participants must be 12 years or older.

Weight difference between participants

If both participants are 15 years or younger, the weight difference between them must be 5 pounds or less.

If both participants are 16 years or older, the weight difference between them must be 10 pounds or less.

If both participants weigh 205 pounds or more, these rules don't apply.

Protective equipment

Participants must use this equipment:

  • 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
    (You must keep an extra set of gloves ringside during the bout.)
  • Mouthpiece
  • Groin protector for male participants only

4. Follow the event rules

Location

You may only hold exhibition events at your training facility.

People who must be present

The training facility representative must be present at the event.

Number of rounds

Non-championship bouts cannot last more than three rounds.

Championship bouts cannot last more than five rounds.

Duration of rounds

Rounds must last no longer than three minutes, with a one-minute rest period between them.

Fouls (penalties)

You must enforce all legally required fouls.

Suspensions

No suspensions are required after an event at an amateur mixed martial arts training facility.

Advertising

All advertisements must state the event is amateur.

5. Remember your responsibilities

You are responsible for:

  • The health and safety of participants
  • Following laws and rules

Requirements for events overseen by a licensed sanctioning organization

Follow to steps below to hold an event overseen by a licensed amateur mixed martial arts sanctioning organization.

1. Get licensed

You must have an amateur mixed martial arts sanctioning organization license.

Make sure these people also have licenses:

2. Submit the required forms

Provide advance notice

You must notify us at least 14 days before holding an event. 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

Email your advance notice to dolcombativesports@dol.wa.gov.

Get medical insurance for participants

The promoter must get medical insurance for all participants and send us proof of coverage at least 72 hours before the event. Email the insurance forms to dolcombativesports@dol.wa.gov.

Report suspensions and results

You must report suspensions and event results to us within 48 business hours after the event by sending us a completed Mixed Martial Arts Bout Results form. Email the results form to dolcombativesports@dol.wa.gov.

We'll report all event results and suspensions to the national database of the Association of Boxing Commissions. To see if an MMA fighter is on suspension, visit the Official Database of Mixed Martial Arts.

3. Meet the participant requirements

Minimum age of participants

All participants must be 18 years or older.

Weight difference between participants

The weight difference between participants must be 10 pounds or less.

If both participants weigh 205 pounds or more, this rule doesn't apply.

Protective equipment

Participants must use this equipment:

  • 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
    (You must keep an extra set of gloves ringside during the bout.)
  • Mouthpiece
  • Groin protector for male participants only

4. Follow the event rules

People who must be present

These people must be present at the event:

  • A physician
  • An ambulance or paramedic unit with transport and resuscitation capabilities
  • A representative of the sanctioning organization

Number of rounds

Non-championship bouts cannot last more than three rounds.

Championship bouts cannot last more than five rounds.

Duration of rounds

Rounds must last no longer than three minutes, with a one-minute rest period between them.

Fouls (penalties)

You must enforce all legally required fouls.

Suspensions

These suspensions are required after an event overseen by a licensed sanctioning organization:

  • Minimum suspension: Six 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.

5. Remember your responsibilities

You are responsible for:

  • The health and safety of participants
  • Following laws and rules

Related information

Need additional help? Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-664-6644
(TTY: Call 711)
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