“Rocky IV” is still a classic. The showdown between scrappy Philadelphia everyman Rocky Balboa and Russian cyborg Ivan Drago is still relevant to the world of 2017, and I am not referring to the ongoing rivalry between the U.S. and Russia. I’m talking about how big government cronies think they can pick on someone smaller – and how embarrassed they are when they get beaten up.
Now you might think I’m exaggerating to compare one of the greatest throw-downs in film history to a simple policy discussion, but bear with me. The policy debate in question is the federal regulation of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) rankings as one example – a clear over-reach of government power – and the repetitive nature of power corrupting good policy decisions. Thus, this debate at least deserves to be made as infamous as Rocky vs. Drago.
The policy “card” features Rep. Markwane Mullin, R-Okla., versus Mixed Martial Arts. Mullin has introduced the Ali Expansion Act. The act:
requires the Association of Boxing Commissions, within two years after enactment of this bill, to establish: (1) guidelines for minimum contractual provisions that should be included in bout agreements and mixed martial arts and other combat sport contracts, and (2) guidelines for objective and consistent written criteria for the ratings of mixed martial arts and other combat sports.
The bill applies conflict of interest provisions that prohibit a promoter from having a financial interest in the management of a boxer, or a manager from having a financial interest in the promotion of a boxer, to fighters participating in a mixed martial arts or other combat sport competition scheduled for 11 minutes or more.
In every bout there is a backstory to both sides. Mullin is a former MMA fighter who is using his position to get Congress to step in and run the fights the way that he thinks that they should be run. And, he’s committed enough to ramming this statute through that he has been able to get Congress to hold two hearings on the industry in less than one year. In his testimony last week, here’s what he said that should concern us:
MMA is supposed to be a professional sport, much like NFL, the MLB, and the NBA. But, without a merit-based ranking system, then how is it going to be any more than a WWE?
On the other hand, fans and people like me are asking if it’s Congress’ job to force a business into a ranking system just because one Congressman thinks that would make it “professional.” Moreover, if a WWE wrestler believes that he should be given a Title Belt, should the feds step in then? What about college football rankings? Those have been a mess for years, and many of the colleges actually receive government funding – should Washington regulate that too?
When Mullin refers to “Merit” based rankings, he should insert the words “Government Mandated,” because he is taking away the right of the entrepreneurs that founded the organization to decide their own business models.
What feels so particularly wrong about this over-reach is that the idea is being entertained while the Senate, the House, and the White House are all controlled by the Republicans. And to the point John Fund raises in “Don’t Let Congress Put A Chokehold on Mixed Martial Arts,” with such economic needs in his rural Oklahoma district, why is this bill the centerpiece of Mullin’s congressional efforts?
Congressional leaders should be looking at how to reduce the burden of government. They should be looking at how to help entrepreneurs and pushing measures forward for MMA to increase competition instead of stifling it.
Fortunately, Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, seems to understand that more regulation probably isn’t what is needed:
The history of mixed martial arts goes back to Ancient Greece when the first Olympians in the 7th century B.C. fought. Today’s MMA is far more regulated. All 50 States permit the sport, subject to rules governing issues like banned substances, equipment requirements, round length, weight classes, and allowing referees and physicians to hock a fight to protect the competitors. In some ways, MMA is regulated in a similar matter to boxing.
At the end of the day, I understand the fact that some feel that they know what MMA needs to do to grow and expand. In this case, Mullin should trust the marketplace. If fans demand that the sport change, the UFC would eagerly follow their lead and the billions of dollars of profit they would bring along the way.
Instead, the Ali Expansion Act uses the power of government to undermine the scrappy entrepreneurs who have built the juggernaut that UFC has become. Thankfully, this looks to be following the same script as the movie “Rocky IV.” Hopefully, that’s what’s happening here too, and fans and fighters alike pull through again and defeat an oppressive government scheme.
Charles Sauer (@CharlesSauer) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog. He is president of the Market Institute and previously worked on Capitol Hill, for a governor, and for an academic think tank.
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