SCRAPP! FIGHT MAGAZINE
April - 2016
37
MB:
BAMMA was there from the outset, from
the first talks to the finalization of SAFE MMA
as it went public. BAMMA has always been in-
volved and remains committed from the grass
roots of the sport, right through to fighter safe-
ty and getting the sport more recognized in the
UK and beyond.
SFM:
Tell us more about SAFE MMA and how
it continues to improved safety standards for
MMA fighters in the UK. How have these new
standards directly impacted your organization?
MB:
The introduction of Safe MMA has made it
paramount to not only focus on the fighting as-
pect, but to also put more focus on the fighters
and the growth of the sport. This in the long-
term will allow the sport to be recognized by
not only the Sports Council of the UK but others
worldwide. And it will allow for the growth and
expansion of MMA throughout Europe, with
safety being its priority.
Being that we are the promotion in the UK cur-
rently spearheading & implementing the stan-
dards, fighters feel that they are in the safest
pair of hands and that they are well looked af-
ter, regardless of the outcome of their fights.
SFM:
BAMMA executives recently decided it
was time to raise the safety standards for ama-
teur fighters competing under the BAMMA ban-
ner. At BAMMA 24, under the auspices of Safe
MMA –Ireland, the new safety standards were
announced. Amateur fighters on the BAMMA
roster must now undergo the same medical
clearance process as professionals. Why did
BAMMA executives feel this change was need-
ed? Was it well received by the fighters and
MMA community?
MB:
The response back from the fighters and
their coaches was extremely positive. Other
than the title of Pro or Amateur, why should a
fighter be treated any differently? Fighter safety
is the same whether they’re amateur or profes-
sional, it’s also another building block of pre-
paring a fighter for taking the next step in their
