Bill Fights its Way Through Senate

Mixed Martial Arts has become a popular contact sport which has now made its way to Tennessee lawmakers. A bill is in motion include the sport in the athletics commission to help bring revenue to the state. However Senator Bo Watson says that revenue will mostly be seen in larger cities and has a plan for it to come to Hamilton County.

"We started looking at excess revenue and one way would be to provide student athletes with an opportunity to attend college. Wrestling is one of the fundamental sports of mixed martial arts," says Senator Watson.

University of Tennessee in Chattanooga has the only Division 1 wrestling program in the state and will be the only school to benefit from the Bill if the Amendment is passed.

"If it happens and I dont know the percentage of that, it would be great for UTC and UTC wrestling because it will give more opportunities and scholarships to future education for students and that is real important," says UTC Head Wrestling Coach Chris Bono.

Before the bill can get pinned down, UTC athletics has to make sure no NCAA regulations are being violated. If so, the Senate will look at other ways to bring the anticipated revenue from mixed martial arts to Hamilton County.

"I support the legislation with the amendments on there to utilize excess revenue in a really good way," says Senator Watson.  

Right now the bill is on the floor in the House and will be reviewed by the Senate's financial committee on May 13th.