DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

CORPORATIONS, SECURITIES, AND COMMERCIAL LICENSING BUREAU

UNARMED COMBAT

Filed with the secretary of state on

These rules become effective immediately after filing with the secretary of state unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a.  Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the secretary of state.

(By authority conferred on the department of licensing and regulatory affairs by the Michigan unarmed combat regulatory act, 2004 PA 403, MCL 338.3601 to 338.3661a, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 2008-4, 2011-4, and 2019-2, MCL 445.2025, 445.2030, and 333.27001)

R 339.101, R 339.104, R 339.201, R 339.202a, R 339.203, R 339.203a, R 339.246b, R 339.259, and R 339.261 of the Michigan Administrative Code are amended, and R 339.104a, R 339.214, R 339.222, R 339.246c, and R 339.261a are added, as follows:

PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

R 339.101  Definitions.

  Rule 101.  (1) As used in these rules:

   (a) "Act" means the Michigan unarmed combat regulatory act, 2004 PA 403, MCL

338.3601 to 338.3661a.

   (b) “Bare-knuckle fighting” means a form of unarmed combat based on punching without the use of boxing gloves.  

   (bc) "Department representative" means an employee of the department, as defined by

section 10(1) of the act, MCL 338.3610, or an inspector approved by the department who ensures compliance with the law and rules at an unarmed combat event.

   (cd) "Down" means when any part of a boxer's body, except the boxer’s his or her feet, touches the ring floor, or when the boxer is hanging helplessly over the ropes as a result of a legal blow as ruled by the referee.

   (de) "Drug" means a controlled substance as regulated under sections 7101 to 7231 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7101 to 333.7231, and any substance

referenced in section 48(5)(a) of the act, MCL 338.3648.

   (ef) “Fight Rrecord” means a record of a contestant’s previous fight results, including, but not limited to, wins, losses, knockouts, and technical knockouts, and any other

information required by the department.

   (fg) "Gong" means a bell, horn, buzzer, or other audible device approved by the

department representative that has a clear tone loud enough for the contestants and

referee to hear.

   (gh) “Grounded” means when a mixed martial artist has any part of the body, other than fingers and the soles of both feet, touching the fighting area floor. A mixed martial artist is grounded if the palm or closed fist of 1 hand, or any another body part, is touching the fighting area floor.

   (hi) “Kickboxing” means a form of boxing in which where blows are delivered with the hand and any part of the leg below the hip, including the foot.

   (ij) “Manager” means a person who that represents the interest of a second person, by

contract, agreement, or other arrangements, in arranging for the establishment of a

professional or amateur contest in which where that second person shall participate as a

contestant. An attorney licensed to practice in this state, if his or her the attorney’s participation is restricted solely to legal representation of the interests of an amateur or professional licensee, does not fall within this definition.

  (jk) "Mandatory count of 8" means a required count of 8 given by a referee to a boxer who has been was knocked down.

   (kl) “Muay thai” means a form of boxing in which where blows are delivered with the hand, elbow, any part of the leg below the hip, including the foot, and clinching.

   (lm) "No decision" means that neither contestant wins the contest.

   (mn) "Reinstatement" means the granting of a license to an person individual whose license has been was revoked or suspended as a result of a disciplinary action pursuant to chapter 4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a.

  (no) "Relicensure" means the granting of a license to an person individual whose license has lapsed for failure to renew the license within 60 days after the expiration date.

  (op) "Ring" or “cage” means the enclosure in which where a contest takes place.

  (pq) “Sanctioned” means a contest approved by USA Boxing or a public body charged

with overseeing unarmed combat contests.

  (qr) “Second” means an individual assisting a contestant during a contest, including a such as cornerman or a contestant’s cutman, and may include a manager serving in that capacity. An impartial cutman is not a second.

  (rs) "Stalling and faking" means that a contestant is pulling his or her their punches or holding an opponent or deliberately maintaining a clinch.

  (st) "Standing mandatory count of 8" means a count of 8 given at the discretion of a

referee to a boxer who has been was dazed by a blow and is unable to defend themselves himself or herself.

  (2) The terms defined in the act have the same meanings when used in these rules.

R 339.104  Kickboxing and muay thai events and contests; applicability of act and

Rules rules.

  Rule 104.  (1) All A kickboxing and muay thai events event must adhere to the requirements for boxing events in section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a.

  (2) A professional kickboxing contest must comply with all of the following:

   (a)  Consist of not more than 10 rounds.

   (b)  Limit each round to not more than 3 minutes per round.

   (c ) Provide at least a 1-minute rest period between each round.

  (3) An amateur kickboxing contest must comply with all of the following:

   (a) Consist of not more than 9 rounds.

   (b) Limit each round to not more than 2 minutes per round.

   (c) Provide at least a 1-minute rest period between each round.

  (4) A professional muay thai contest must comply with all of the following:

   (a) Consist of not more than 5 rounds.

   (b) Limit each round to not more than 3 minutes per round.

   (c) Provide at least a 1-minute rest period between each round.

 (5) An amateur muay thai contest must comply with all of the following:

   (a) Consist of not more than 5 rounds.

   (b) Limit each round to not more than 2 minutes per round.

   (c) Provide at least a 1-minute rest period between each round.

(2) (6) Unless specifically identified by these rules, all kickboxing and muay thai contests must adhere to the rules for boxing contests under part 2 of these rules.

R 339.104a  Number of events held on a single day.

  Rule 104a.  The department may restrict the number of unarmed combat events being held on a single day to 1 event.

PART 2. PROFESSIONAL BOXING, AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL MIXED MARTIAL ARTS, AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL KICKBOXING, AND AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL MUAY THAI, AND PROFESSIONAL BARE-KNUCKLE FIGHTING

R 339.201  Weight classifications for contestants.

  Rule 201.  (1) The department shall approve each contest and may refuse to permit allow a contest in which when the contestants are not fairly matched. In determining if contestants are fairly matched, the department shall consider the following factors:

   (a) The win-loss record of the contestants.

   (b) The weight differential.

   (c) The caliber of opponents.

   (d) Each contestant’s number of contests.

   (e) Any other Other factors relating to a contestant’s past conduct as a contestant, in this jurisdiction or another, that would reasonably give rise to concerns regarding the health and safety of the public or a contestant or contestants.

  (2) Pursuant to section 54a(2)(e) of the act, MCL 338.3654a, boxing contestants are shall be divided into the following classes, and there shall must not be more than a 5-pound weight differential for contestants weighing up to 126 pounds, a 7-pound weight differential for contestants weighing 126.1 to 175 pounds, and a 15-pound weight differential for contestants weighing 175.1 pounds to 199 pounds. The weight differential applicable to the lowest weight contestant applies.

   (a) Mini flyweight: Up to and including 105 pounds.

   (b) Light flyweight: Over 105 pounds to 108 pounds.

   (c) Flyweight: Over 108 pounds to 112 pounds.

   (d) Super flyweight: Over 112 pounds to 115 pounds.

   (e) Bantamweight: Over 115 pounds to 118 pounds.

   (f) Super bantamweight: Over 118 pounds to 122 pounds.

   (g) Featherweight: Over 122 pounds to 126 pounds.

   (h) Super featherweight: Over 126 pounds to 130 pounds.

   (i) Lightweight: Over 130 pounds to 135 pounds.

   (j) Super lightweight: Over 135 pounds to 140 pounds.

   (k) Welterweight: Over 140 pounds to 147 pounds.

   (l) Super welterweight: Over 147 pounds to 154 pounds.

   (m) Middleweight: Over 154 pounds to 160 pounds.

   (n) Super middleweight: Over 160 pounds to 168 pounds.

   (o) Light heavyweight: Over 168 pounds to 175 pounds.

   (p) Cruiserweight: Over 175 pounds to 200 pounds.

   (q) Heavyweight: Over 200 pounds.

  (3) Pursuant to section 54a(2)(e) of the act, MCL 338.3654a, mixed martial arts contestants shall be are divided into the following classes, and there shall must not be more than a 3-pound weight differential for contestants weighing up to 155 pounds and a 5-pound weight differential for contestants weighing 155.1 pounds up to 205 pounds. The weight differential applicable to the lowest weight contestant applies.

   (a) Atomweight: Up to and including 105 pounds.

   (b) Strawweight: Over 105 pounds to 115 pounds.

   (c) Flyweight: Over 115 pounds to 125 pounds.

   (d) Bantamweight: Over 125 pounds to 135 pounds.

   (e) Featherweight: Over 135 pounds to 145 pounds.

   (f) Lightweight: Over 145 pounds to 155 pounds.

   (g) Super lightweight: Over 155 pounds to 165 pounds.

   (h) Welterweight: Over 165 pounds to 170 pounds.

   (i) Super welterweight: Over 170 pounds to 175 pounds.

   (j) Middleweight: Over 175 pounds to 185 pounds.

   (k) Super middleweight: Over 185 pounds to 195 pounds.

   (l) Light heavyweight: Over 195 pounds to 205 pounds.

   (m) Cruiserweight: Over 205 pounds to 225 pounds.

   (n) Heavyweight: Over 225 pounds to 265 pounds.

   (o) Super heavyweight: Over 265 pounds.

R 339.202a  Contestant paperwork; Substitute substitute contestants.

  Rule 202a. (1) A license application and all required medical examinations must be completed and received by the department no later than 2 business days before a scheduled event. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted by the department for good cause shown. Exceptions may not be granted later than the substitution deadlines specified in subrule (2) of this rule.

  (2) All substitutions shall must be approved or denied by the department and shall occur not later than either of the following:

   (a) 2 p.m. on the day of the event.

   (b) If an event is held on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, then 2 p.m. on the regular business day before the event.

R 339.203  Licensing requirements; contestants.

  Rule 203.  (1) A contestant shall not have an active license as a timekeeper, judge, referee, promoter, or matchmaker.

  (2) A contestant shall have an active license at the time of the contest.

  (3) An applicant for a professional boxer or bare-knuckle fighting license shall have the department’s determination that he or she the applicant is able to compete as a professional contestant and either any of the following:

   (a) A record of having fought a minimum of 7 sanctioned amateur boxing contests or 28 sanctioned amateur boxing rounds. When applying for a license, the applicant shall provide this record to the department.

   (b) An active professional contestant boxer license in this state or another state, territory, country, or tribal nation.

   (c) The commission’s approval based on proven competence.

  (4) An applicant for a professional mixed martial artist, kickboxing, or muay thai license shall have the department’s determination that he or she the applicant is able to compete as a professional contestant and either any of the following:

   (a) A record of having fought a minimum of 7 5 sanctioned amateur contests. When applying for a license, the applicant shall provide this record to the department.

   (b) An active professional contestant mixed martial artist license in this state or another state, territory, country, or tribal nation.

   (c) The commission’s approval based on proven competence.

 (5) An applicant for a professional kickboxing or muay thai contestant license shall have the department’s determination that he or she is able to compete as a professional contestant and either of the following:

  (a) A record of having fought a minimum of 5 amateur contests. A kickboxing or muay thai applicant shall provide the department with contest results of 5 amateur contests.

  (b) An active professional kickboxing or muay thai license in this state or another state, territory, country, or tribal nation.

  (c) The commission’s approval based on proven competence.

(6) (5) All professional kickboxing or muay thai contestant licensees must shall obtain a national identification card.

(6) A license must not be issued to an applicant for a license if the applicant has any outstanding fines or costs or current suspensions imposed under the act.  

R 339.203a  Licensing requirements; referee, judge, or timekeeper.

  Rule 203a.  (1) An applicant for a license as a referee, judge, or timekeeper shall be not less than at least 18 years of age.

  (2) An applicant for a license as a referee shall pass a physical examination.

  (3) The department may require Before licensure, an applicant for a license as a timekeeper, referee, or judge to  shall provide a completed certification an examination as approved by the department that is available from a recognized authority in unarmed combat sports. A current licensee shall submit a completed certification within 90 days after the effective date of this rule.

  (4) The process established in subrule (3) of this rule shall adhere to all of the following:

(a) To receive department approval for an event type designated on a participant license, an applicant shall complete a certification specific to that event type.

   (b) The department shall publish a list of acceptable certifications on its website. Certifications that are not listed may be submitted to the department for review and approval.

   (c) A license must not be issued to an applicant if the applicant has any outstanding fines or costs or current suspensions imposed under the act. 

R 339.214  Bare-knuckle fighting events and contests unified rules; adoption by   

  reference; exceptions.

  Rule 214.  (1) The department adopts by reference the “Association of Boxing Commission and Combative Sports Bare-Knuckle Fighting Unified Rules”, revised July 12, 2024, except for sections titled “Duration of Rounds”, “Approved Attire/Appearance”, “Prohibited Substances”, and “Commission Considerations”.

   (2) Copies of the bare-knuckle fighting unified rules are available at no cost from the association’s website at https://www.abcboxing.com. 

   (3) Copies of the bare-knuckle fighting unified rules are available for inspection and distribution at no cost through the department’s website at https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/ucc. Copies of these rules also may be obtained from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporation, Securities & Commercial Licensing, P.O. Box 30018, Lansing, Michigan 48909 at a cost of 25 cents per page as of the time of adoption of these rules.

R 339.222  Bare-knuckle round length; professional debut.

  Rule 222.  (1) A bare-knuckle fighting bout must not extend past a total of 6 rounds and a total of 18 minutes of competition with a 1-minute rest period between each nonfinal round. The 1-minute rest period does not count toward the 18-minute competition limit. Promoters are authorized to mix bout cards and schedule bouts for either 2- or 3-minute rounds.

  (2) The commission shall consider all of the following information when approving a bout:

   (a) Combatant records.

   (b) Prior combative sports experience.

   (c) Skill level.

   (d) Physical condition.

  (3) Rounds are approved for 2 or 3 minutes.

  (4) A contestant making a professional debut is restricted to four 2-minute rounds.

  (5) A contestant making a professional debut means a contestant who has not previously participated in a professional unarmed combat event but has experience participating in amateur unarmed combat events. A professional contestant with previous professional experience in boxing, mixed martial arts, or other unarmed combat events is not considered to be making a professional debut and may participate in any number of rounds without restriction, as approved by the commission.

R 339.246b  Dress and protective equipment for kickboxing and muay thai contestants.

  Rule 246b. (1) A contestant in a kickboxing or muay thai contest must shall wear kickboxing shorts, or muay thai shorts or trunks.

  (2) A contestant must shall wear a fitted mouthpiece, which the referee shall examine before a contest.

  (3) Gloves must meet the requirements of section 54a of the act, MCL 338.3654a and be of equal weight and style for each contest. For amateur muay thai contests, 6-ounce gloves may be used by super flyweight weight classes and below, pursuant to R 339.201(2).

  (4) Contestants A contestant shall not wear shoes in kickboxing or muay thai contests.

  (5) Male contestants A male contestant shall not wear a shirt, rash guard, or other items on the upper body. Female contestants A female contestant may wear a breast protection plate, rash guard, sports bra, or body shirt.

  (6) Contestants A contestant shall not wear jewelry or a piercing during a contest. 

  (7) Amateur An amateur kickboxing and muay thai contestants contestant shall wear protective headgear and shin and instep protectors if either contestant requests before a contest to wear protective headgear and shin and instep protectors.

R 339.246c  Dress and protective equipment for bare-knuckle fighting contestants.

  Rule 246c.  (1) A bare-knuckle fighting contestant shall wear protective gear as determined necessary. A contestant shall adhere to the following attire requirements:

   (a) Male contestants shall not wear any form of clothing on their upper body.

   (b) All contestants shall wear the appropriate shorts, boxing or wrestling shoes, and mouthpiece.

   (c) Male contestants shall wear the appropriate groin protection.

   (d) Female contestants shall wear the appropriate sports bra and are allowed to wear a short-sleeved shirt that is above the elbow or sleeveless form-fitting rash guard. Breast protectors are optional. Loose-fitting tops are prohibited.

   (e) Female contestants shall follow the exact requirements for bottom covering as male contestants, minus the requirement for groin protection.

   (f) When a referee determines it is necessary, contestants with long hair shall secure their hair in a manner that does not interfere with either contestant’s ability to compete fairly or hinder the other's vision. No hard material may be used to secure hair. No object that may cause injury to either contestant may be worn to secure a contestant’s hair.

   (g) Inspectors shall ensure that the fingernails are clipped at a length so as not to cause injury to the opponent.

   (h) The wearing of jewelry is strictly prohibited during all bouts.

   (i) No contestant shall wear any products on their body or hair, including, but not limited to, spray hair dye, body dye or body paint, hair gel, and skin products other than the allowable amount of skin lubricant allowed under R 339.211. A contestant entering the ring or cage to participate who is wearing temporary hair or body dye or paint shall be rejected from competing.

   (j) Hand wraps must include the wrist and are restricted to 12 yards of soft gauze bandage per hand that is not more than 2 inches in width and is held in place by not more than 10 yards of surgical tape that is no more than 1 inch or 25.4 millimeters in width. The surgical tape must not be applied within 1 inch of the knuckles.

   (k) No tape or gauze can extend past a contestant’s knuckle when a clenched fist is made.

   (l) No tape or gauze is allowed between or on a contestant’s fingers with the exception of the thumb. The thumb of a contestant may include a single wrap of tape when the wrist is being wrapped.

   (m) Wrapping of the wrist must not extend more than 3 inches past the wrist juncture.

  (2) A contestant shall wear a mouthpiece during competition. A contestant shall have 2 mouthpieces at ring side or cage side, if possible. If a mouthpiece is dislodged and lost during the bout, the contestant with the lost mouthpiece shall lose by disqualification, regardless of the round or time. If a mouthpiece is dislodged because of a legal blow, the referee shall not interfere with the flow of the bout and shall call a time-out when there is a lull in the action. It is the discretion of the referee to take the contestant to the corner and allow the second to rinse and replace the contestant’s mouthpiece. The round cannot begin without both contestants wearing their mouthpiece. If the mouthpiece is dislodged during competition, the referee shall call time out when there is a lull in the bout and have the mouthpiece replaced at the first opportune moment without interfering with the immediate action. The referee may deduct points if the referee feels the mouthpiece is being spit out intentionally.

  (3) There must be no taping, covering, or protective gear of any kind on the upper body, other than a contestant’s hands as specified in subrule (1) of this rule. This includes, but is not limited to, joint sleeves, padding, any form of a brace, or body gauze or tape. Use of sleeves is limited to the following:

   (a) A contestant may use soft Neoprene-type sleeves to cover only the knees or elbows.       

   (b) Approved sleeves must not have any of the following:

    (i) Padding.

    (ii) Velcro.

    (iii) Plastic.

    (iv) Metal.

    (v) Ties.

    (vi) Other materials considered unsafe or that may create an unfair advantage.

R 339.259  Matchmakers and promoters; liability for lack of judgment in arranging

  matches; contract restrictions.

  Rule 259.  (1) The promoter and matchmaker shall be are responsible for a match where in which 1 of the contestants is disproportionately outclassed. Persistent lack Lack of judgment in arranging matches shall be is sufficient grounds for disciplinary action under chapter 4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a.

  (2) A promoter shall not own a contract or a portion of a contract of, or receive proceeds from a contract with, any contestant who is competing in 1 of the promoter's productions. A matchmaker shall not own a contract or a portion of a contract of, or receive proceeds from a contract with, any contestant for whom the matchmaker arranges matches.

  (3) A matchmaker may be licensed as a promoter. A promoter may be licensed as a matchmaker. However, neither a promoter nor a matchmaker shall be licensed as a referee, timekeeper, judge, boxer, or mixed martial artist.

R 339.261  Filing of documents by promoter; accuracy of promotional materials; contract

  requirements; contracted purse.

  Rule 261.  (1) A matchmaker is responsible for verifying that the identity, ring record, eligibility, and suspensions of each contestant are accurate and up-to-date, and shall submit any information required by the department in seeking contest approval under R 339.201. The information must be verified before submission to the department.

  (2) A promoter is responsible for the accuracy of the names and records of each of the participating contestants in all publicity or promotional material.

  (23) A contestant shall use his or her their legal name to sign a contract; however, a contestant who is licensed under another name may sign the contract using his or her their licensed name if the contestant's legal name appears in the body of the contract as the name under which that the contestant is otherwise known.

  (34) All contracts must be between a promoter and a contestant. There shall not be a contract between the promoter and a manager. However, a contract may be signed by a contestant's manager on behalf of the contestant. If a contestant does not have a manager, then the contestant shall sign the contract. The contracted purse amount paid to a professional contestant must not be less than $100.00 per contracted round.

  (45) The contract that is filed with the department must embody all of the agreements between the parties. Secret contracts that contradict the terms of the contracts that are filed with the department are prohibited.

  (56) The contract between a promoter and a contestant must be for the use of the contestant's skills in a contest and shall not require the contestant to sell tickets in order to be paid for his or her their services.

(7) Violations of this rule are grounds for disciplinary action against a promoter or matchmaker under chapter 4 of the act, MCL 338.3640 to 338.3649a.

R 339.261a  Result uploads and bout restrictions.

  Rule 261a.   (1) Without exception, a promoter shall upload event results to BoxRec at https://boxrec.com and Combat Registry at https://combatreg.com.

  (2) Combatant federal identification cards for contestants participating in bare-knuckle events are issued via BoxRec or as directed by the association of boxing commissions.

  (3) Once a contestant is considered a professional contestant in 1 combat sport, the contestant shall compete only as a professional contestant in all other combat sports.