The California State Assembly has passed a landmark bill establishing retirement benefits for mixed martial artists. Learn about the MMA Fund and its purpose, eligibility requirements, benefits, and administrative attributes.
| Purpose | Eligibility Requirements | Benefits Afforded | Administrative Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The MMA Fund is part of California’s health and safety regulatory scheme, designed to protect professional athletes. | To be eligible for the MMA Fund, mixed martial artists must meet certain criteria specified under the law. | The MMA Fund will provide retirement benefits and death benefits to qualifying mixed martial artists and their beneficiaries. | The State Athletic Commission will oversee the creation, funding, and administration of the MMA Fund for the exclusive benefit of qualifying mixed martial artists and their beneficiaries. |
On September 14, 2023, the California State Assembly passed the Assembly Bill 1136, also known as the Act, to establish the Mixed Martial Arts Retirement Benefit Fund (MMA Fund) for participating martial artists. This groundbreaking legislation aims to provide retirement benefits and death benefits for the beneficiaries of mixed martial artists.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Act into law on October 8, 2023, and it will come into effect on January 1, 2024. The MMA Fund, similar to other California public pension funds, will be administered by the State Athletic Commission within the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Purpose of the MMA Fund
The MMA Fund is part of California’s health and safety regulatory scheme, which aims to protect professional athletes. Many mixed martial artists face health-related hazards associated with their trade, and the purpose of the MMA Fund is to provide financial security to these individuals in retirement.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the MMA Fund, mixed martial artists must meet certain criteria specified under the law. The exact eligibility requirements will be outlined in Sections 1888 et seq. of the California Business and Professions Code, which will govern the creation, funding, and administration of the MMA Fund.
Benefits Afforded
The MMA Fund will provide retirement benefits and death benefits to qualifying mixed martial artists and their beneficiaries. The specific benefits and payout structure will be determined by the MMA Fund’s administrative attributes, which will be established by the State Athletic Commission.
Administrative Attributes
The State Athletic Commission, responsible for administering the Boxers’ Pension Fund for professional and amateur boxing and kickboxing, will expand its role to include the administration of the MMA Fund. The Commission will oversee the creation, funding, and administration of the MMA Fund, ensuring that it operates for the exclusive benefit of qualifying mixed martial artists and their beneficiaries.
