A bill that calls for the Indiana Athletic Commission (formerly the Indiana State Boxing Commission) to regulate mixed martial arts went into effect today.

The state is one of 39 in the U.S. that either regulates MMA or has passed legislation that will require regulation in the coming months.

Although Indiana has hosted numerous un-sanctioned MMA shows in recent years, official regulation opens the doors for organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship to hit the potentially lucrative market of Indianapolis.

Indianapolis is Indiana's largest city (and the country's 14th largest) with approximately 800,000 residents. It also boasts the popular 19,000-seat Conseco Fieldhouse, an impressive and modern facility that opened in 1999 and now serves as home to the NBA's Indiana Pacers. (Indianapolis is also home to popular UFC veteran Chris Lytle.)

With the passage of Act 160, the Indiana Senate has tasked the Indiana Athletic Commission with regulation of not only professional MMA but also kickboxing and other "unarmed combat" sports.

In previous years, MMA events have been held in Indiana with no interference from the state's boxing commission. In essence, fighters competed with no drug testing and could bounce from the amateur and professional ranks and even compete multiple times in a short span with no overseeing body. Promoters could also skimp on medical personnel and other safety regulations at events.

The anything-goes environment is the primary reason major organizations such as the UFC never previously visited the state and why politicians eventually wised up and passed legislation to regulate the sport.

Source: mmajunkie.com