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CSAC approves pilot for Firepower’s modified MMA rule set with limits on rounds and no tiebreak bonus
Summary
Promoter Tom Anderson received conditional approval for a modified MMA rule set—stand‑up striking with limited clinch and standing ground‑and‑pound—subject to a three‑event pilot, three‑round maximums for initial shows and no bonus tiebreak rounds; commission asked for post‑pilot reporting.
The California State Athletic Commission approved a limited pilot allowing Firepower (A1 Combat) to stage events under a modified mixed‑martial‑arts rule set that removes takedowns, kicks, knees and most ground grappling while preserving standing strikes and limited standing ground‑and‑pound.
Tom Anderson, representing Firepower, told commissioners the format is intended as an alternative for fighters who excel at striking and not grappling. Anderson said the proposed events would use a five‑rope ring, three‑minute rounds, MMA gloves and typical medical and licensing requirements. He emphasized the proposal would not change medical protocols and that events would remain under doctor and first‑responder supervision.
Commissioners raised questions about judging, ground‑and‑pound definitions and whether the format would require different officiating. Staff recommended approval with conditions for an initial pilot. The motion approved at the meeting limits the promoter to three pilot events with a three‑round maximum for the first shows, prohibits tiebreak "bonus" rounds for those events, and requires that the promoter return to the commission with results and safety metrics after the pilot.
Mr. Foster explained the commission would treat subsequent events like standard bout approvals, adjusting round counts later if pilots show the format is safe and manageable. The motion carried by voice vote.
Next steps: Firepower will coordinate with CSAC staff on specific event protocols and officials' training, and the commission asked staff to review the pilot outcomes before authorizing any wider adoption.
