Andrew Yang takes aim at UFC with MMA reforms
Former 2020 US presidential candidate Andrew Yang would like to bring boxing’s Ali Act, or other federal regulation to MMA, and may have the chance to soon. Huh?
“Applying the Ali Act would a big step forward, but to me, MMA fighters need either a union or pro association, so they can negotiate for a fairer share of the revenue stream,” Yang said. “Big changes need to happen, and I’d like to do this on a human level.” – via The Guardian
This isn’t exactly breaking news, as Yang’s been outspoken on his MMA fandom and views on fighter pay. But, as The Guardian points out, given the potential election of former US Vice President Joe Biden, a cabinet position could be in Yang’s future.
That would undoubtedly raise the likelihood of some sort of federal MMA regulation coming to fruition. It would also drastically change the relationship the UFC and its President Dana White has with the White House. Whether or not any of that actually happens remains to be seen, but it’s interesting to see things like MMA fighter pay as a potential piece of a new presidential administration’s platform.
