PURPOSE: This rule defines the minimum requirements for facilities and equipment used for mixed martial arts bouts/contests.

1. (1) Requirements. The fighting area shall be constructed in a manner that does not pose a substantial risk to the safety or health of any person. The fighting area shall be no smaller than eighteen by eighteen feet (18'×18') and no larger than thirty-two by thirty-two feet (32'×32') and shall meet the following requirements:

   1. (A) Floors. The floor of the fighting area must have a canvas covering that shall be padded with at least a one inch (1")-layer of foam padding extending over the edge of the platform of the fighting area. No vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering is permitted. Materials that may gather in lumps or ridges during the bout or contest may not be used. The platform of the fighting area canvas shall be no more than four feet (4') above the floor of the building and shall have suitable steps or ramps for use by officials and the contestants;
   2. (B) Posts. All posts in or around the fighting area shall be made of metal not more than six inches (6") in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a minimum height of fifty-eight inches (58") above the fighting area floor and shall be properly padded in a manner approved by the office;

   3. (C) Fencing. The fighting area shall be enclosed. The enclosure shall:

      1. 1. Be made of materials that will not

allow a contestant to easily fall out of the space or break through it onto the floor or spectators, such as vinyl-coated chain link fencing;

1. 2. Provide two (2) separate entries onto

the fighting area canvas that are sufficient to allow easy access to the fighting area by officials and emergency personnel;

1. 3. Not obstruct or limit the supervision

and regulation of the bout by the officials or office representatives; and

1. 4. Not inhibit the official judging of the

bout in any manner;

1. (D) All metal parts of the enclosure and fighting area shall be covered and padded in a manner approved by the office and shall not be abrasive to the contestants;
2. (E) Tables immediately surrounding the fighting area shall be no higher than the fighting area platform level; and
3. (F) The fighting area will be approved by the inspector, including, all padding or enclosures. Fighting areas that are not approved by the inspector may not be used for any professional mixed martial arts bout or contest.

1. (2) The gong, bell, buzzer, or horn which is used must be sufficiently loud so that the officials and contestants can hear it clearly. The ten- (10-) second warning may be by whistle or buzzer.
2. (3) Spectator seats shall not be closer than eight feet (8') from the outside edge of the apron of the fighting area platform. A physical barrier shall be placed designating eight feet (8') from the fighting area platform. The space immediately within eight feet (8') of the fighting area shall be under the jurisdiction of the office for the use of designated working officials, contestants, their seconds, judges, referees, physicians, announcer, and medical representatives. Promoters are responsible for seeing that the working area is controlled and free of nonessential individuals. The promoter is also responsible for ensuring that no person is smoking within eight feet (8') of the fighting area.
3. (4) The promoter may provide and prominently display at least two (2) video screens during any professional mixed martial arts bout or contest which meet the approval of the office and which allow patrons to view the action inside the ring or fighting area.

AUTHORITY: sections 317.001 and 317.006, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed April 3, 2007, effective Oct. 30, 2007. Amended: Filed March 20, 2018, effective Sept. 30, 2018.

*Original authority: 317.001, RSMo 1983, amended 1996, 2007 and 317.006, RSMo 1983, amended 1996, 2007.