Commission approves 2026 meeting dates, discusses official attire, training and event oversight

The Tennessee Athletic Commission approved its 2026 meeting dates and discussed rulemaking and operational steps aimed at standardizing officials' attire, expanding voluntary training, and clarifying inspector coverage at events.

Roxanna Gamuccio, executive director, presented proposed meeting dates for 2026 — March 9, June 8, Sept. 14 and Dec. 14 — which the commission approved by voice vote. Gamuccio also listed three large events expected to fall into the next fiscal year: the Professional Fighting League (PFL) at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium (date in June not specified in the transcript), BYB Extreme (bare-knuckle) on June 21 at The Pinnacle at 7 p.m., and a July UFC event at Bridgestone Arena starting about 6 p.m.

Jesse (legal counsel) told commissioners that proposed rules related to waivers are under review by the Tennessee Attorney General's Office and an effective date should be available by the next commission meeting. He also noted that the recent legislative sunset bill extended the commission's statutory authorization to June 30, 2031.

Commission members raised operational concerns including consistency of judges' and referees' attire, inspector staffing levels, and continuing education. One commissioner said officials should "look the part" and suggested requiring promoters to ensure professional dress; legal counsel confirmed related rule language is part of the package currently with the attorney general for review. Commissioners discussed voluntary training options (including industry organizations such as the Association of Boxing Commissions) and the potential for a longer-term rule change to require continuing education for referees and judges.

On inspector staffing, staff said three inspectors is the typical minimum for small- to medium-sized cards but that inspectors often remain backstage while fighters are wrapped and come forward for the final bout. Commissioners and staff discussed promoter responsibility for ringside security and crowd control after reports of spectators at ringside during an earlier show.

Staff introduced Deidra, the commission's new licensing person, who has taken on licensing duties and received positive feedback from promoters. Commissioners also reported a prior amateur-event follow-up: sanctioning-body representatives and a promoter said no fighters were paid beyond allowed expense reimbursements, but one commissioner said he observed $300 checks handed to participants at ringside and suggested the commission could open a complaint if members provide names for follow-up.

The commission took no new rule votes at the meeting beyond approving meeting dates. Staff said they will explore voluntary training options and possible rule changes and return with proposals at a future meeting.