Senate approves creation of Utah Professional Athletic Commission, bans "ultimate fighting" and allocates start‑up funds

First substitute Senate Bill 25, sponsored by Senator Suazo, was brought to the Senate floor under the third‑reading calendar. Suazo said the measure replaces the Utah Professional Regulation Act with a Utah Professional Athletic Commission to regulate professional boxing, wrestling and other combat sports; the commission would license promoters, managers, contestants, judges and referees and be housed in the Department of Commerce.

Senator Suazo said the bill also closes a loophole used by informal "fight clubs" by clarifying that unsanctioned events cannot escape regulation simply because contestants were unpaid. He explicitly told the chamber, "They would also, through this bill, prohibit ultimate fighting." The substitute bill was modeled on the Nevada Athletic Commission, which he said supports a substantial industry.

The sponsor noted a small fiscal impact: "It's estimated, that $25,500 would have to be appropriated from the Commerce Service Fund." Suazo said he expected the commission to move toward revenue neutrality as licensing generated fees.

After brief questions were called and debate concluded, the Senate recorded a roll call: the first substitute SB 25 received 27 aye votes, no nays and two absences and will be referred to the House for further action.

The bill's key implementation details include establishment of a five‑member appointed commission, transfer of professional combat‑sport regulation out of the Division of Occupational Licensing, and a ban on "ultimate fighting" events.