Some MMA fighters in the metro are protesting new rules that may soon take effect in Kansas.
Rudy Bears is a trainer and fighter working to stop the new rules from taking effect.
Bears is most concerned with two changes: legalizing heel kicks to the kidneys and a new definition for a “grounded opponent.”
Previously, a grounded opponent meant the fighter could have one hand down. Many fighters like this because they can still use one hand in the air to block a kick or punch.
As of January 2017, a fighter is required to have both hands on the ground.
Bears believes that makes the sport more dangerous.
“They say they are changing the rules to stop people from playing the game of touching the ground and stuff but still, when you have both hands flat on the ground there is no way to protect yourself,” he explained.
Sean Wheelock sits on the Kansas Athletic Commission and helped create the new regulations.
The prior rule allowed fighters to take advantage of it, and Wheelock said, often putting themselves in an unsafe situation.
His goal is to make the sport safer, and he believes updating the rules will help with that.
“We felt that fighters were not only playing the game in this situation essentially gaming the rules, they were putting themselves in very unsafe situations, literally tapping on this not grounding as the rule was intended," said Wheelock.
The Association of Boxing Commissions adopted the new rules at a conference last summer. They passed in a 42-1 vote.
The ABC does not have the authority to enforce nationwide, but only make recommendations.
Missouri is choosing not to adopt the new rules.
Lawmakers in Topeka will vote on Tuesday.
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Lexi Sutter can be reached at lexi.sutter@kshb.com.
