UFC
West Virginia becomes 45th state to regulate MMA, UFC President Dana White comments
Mar 24, 2011 - 1:30:46 PM West Virginia becomes 45th state to regulate MMA, UFC President Dana White comments

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

The state of West Virginia has become the latest to pass regulation of mixed martial arts, becoming the 45th of 48 states with a regulatory body to allow the sport. With a bill now in effect in the state, the UFC has come out with a release in appreciation of the bill with comments from UFC President Dana White and West Virginia native Brian Bowles.

"We've worked hard to get this sport regulated all over the world, particularly in the United States," White said. "I'm really excited to see the sport regulated in West Virginia and look forward to one day bringing a UFC event there."

"All of my friends and family in West Virginia always ask when they're going to get to see me fight in my home state," Bowles said. "Now that the sport is regulated there, I am excited to know that I could one day compete in the Octagon in West Virginia."

Only five more states in the U.S. have yet to pass regulation on the sport. While Alaska and Wyoming lack a regulatory body to properly oversee the sport, only New York, Vermont and Connecticut remain holdouts for passing MMA regulation. However, Connecticut is making strides towards regulation, and New York remains a high priority for the UFC.