Gov. John Baldacci yesterday ceremoniously signed a bill that opens the door to mixed martial arts competitions and other events in Maine. While acknowledging some early reservations about the measure, Baldacci said he was convinced that the law will adequately regulate the fighting events, according to Capitol News Service.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Matthew Petersen, a Rumford Democrat, said the booming professional sport could help boost M aine's eonomy.
"We're very excited to bring an event here, hopefully in 2010," Petersen said. "The documented impact of their events: 60 percent of those dollars that are spent at an event come from out of state. So we're excited to follow in our great tourist history here in Maine, and tradition, and bring them in."
Petersen says the events, which could be televised around the world, have the potential to draw a lot of fans to Maine. Under the legislation, the new authority has to establish rules by March 1, 2010. Events may start on that date if all rules are in place.