Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has gained immense popularity worldwide, and Louisiana is no exception. To ensure athlete safety and fair competition, the Louisiana State Boxing and Wrestling Commission has established a comprehensive set of regulations. These rules cover various aspects, including medical requirements, physical examinations, and specific guidelines for different categories of fighters.
Medical Requirements
Medical evaluations are crucial for all contestants. The following tests and examinations are mandatory to ensure the health and safety of fighters.
Blood Work
All contestants in all bouts shall be tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV by a laboratory approved by the Commission. The initial test for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV shall be conducted within 180 days prior to competition. Here's a breakdown of the required blood work:
- HIV Antibody
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
- Hepatitis C Antibody
Blood work needs to be done within one month of the date listed on the application.
Physical Examinations
A physical must be administered and signed by a licensed M.D. or D.O. The exam is valid for the one-year licensing period. Pre-fight physicals are also mandatory.
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Eye Exam
An eye exam administered by a licensed ophthalmologist is required. The eye exam is valid for the one-year licensing period. Fighters must submit a dilated ophthalmological eye exam administered by a licensed ophthalmologist.
EKG and Cardio Summary
An EKG must be administered by a licensed M.D. or D.O. The EKG is valid indefinitely unless the commission requires a new one on a case-by-case basis. Cardiac testing that provides both myocardial perfusion and echocardiographic structural assessment, an exercise stress echocardiogram is recommended.
Radiological Exams
Fighters have a choice of an MRI, CT Scan, or Neurological Exam. Fighters, who have not fought within the last 16 months or have had 5 or more knockouts, must submit a CT Scan administered by a licensed M.D.
MRI and MRI Summary
MRI of the brain without contrast and the GRE Technique must also be included. The MRI scan is to be performed on a 1.5 Tesla MR Machine with capabilities including fast spin echo and FLAIR imaging. Image sequences should include axial T1, T2, and FLAIR images; coronal images should be performed as a T2 coronal; and a single sagittal T1 sequence.
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Specific Requirements
In addition to the general medical requirements, there are specific guidelines for female and older fighters.
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Female Fighters
Each female contestant, during the pre-fight physical, will be required to pass a pregnancy test administered under the direction of the examining physician, or such physician’s authorized assistant. Female contestants submitting written documentation acceptable to the examining physician may be waived from the pre-fight physical pregnancy test. Female fighters must submit a gynecological exam administered by a licensed M.D. along with the physical.
Older Fighters
Any fighter 38 years old and older must appear before the Commission for license approval. Fighters 35 and over must submit a stress test administered by a licensed M.D. Fighters 40 and over must also include an MRI, EKG, a physical performed by a licensed doctor stating that they are able to fight, and additional blood tests for CBC, PT Lab, PTT Lab.
Additional Requirements
Additional lab work will be required on a case-by-case basis when requested by the ringside physician. Fighters, who have not fought within the last 16 months or have had 5 or more knockouts, must submit a stress test administered by a licensed M.D.
Table: Summary of Medical Requirements
| Test/Exam | Requirement | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Work (HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C) | Mandatory | Within one month of application date |
| Physical Exam | Administered by M.D. or D.O. | One-year licensing period |
| Eye Exam | Administered by a licensed ophthalmologist | One-year licensing period |
| EKG | Administered by M.D. or D.O. | Indefinitely, unless otherwise required |
| MRI | Brain MRI without contrast and GRE Technique | Varies |
| Pregnancy Test | For female fighters during pre-fight physical | Pre-fight |
| Stress Test | For fighters 35 and over | Varies |
Unified Rules of MMA
The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) aim to provide a clear set of rules governing professional MMA competition that remain consistent across the jurisdictions of various athletic commissions and other regulatory bodies. UFC has consistently embraced more thorough regulation of MMA and adopted the Unified Rules of MMA in November 2000. These rules help ensure athlete safety and fair competition by providing a consistent set of rules for the sport - something that was missing in the early days of mixed martial arts. All UFC bouts are now governed with full adherence to the provisions set forth in the Unified Rules of MMA.