Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act Passes with Majority Vote

Boxing legislation now allows for UFC-style promotion through the creation of Unified Boxing Organizations.

The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act officially passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday, following a hearing where arguments for and against the bill were presented.

The legislation was initially introduced as a bipartisan initiative by Congressman Bryan Jack, a Republican from Georgia, and Congresswoman Sharice Davids, a former MMA fighter and Democrat from Kansas. Under a special procedure that allows for the swift passage of bills with broad bipartisan support, a two-thirds majority was achieved during the vote.

The bill does not alter or amend existing laws governed by the original Ali Act, passed in 2000, but instead adds new provisions. Specifically, it provides for the creation of Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs), which will enable UFC-style promotion in boxing. This includes the ability for a promotional company to sign exclusive contracts with fighters, introduce its own rankings and titles, and implement other mandatory health, safety, and compensation regulations.

Under the new bill, a national minimum pay-per-round will be established, along with stricter doping control rules.

During the hearing, numerous Republicans and Democrats spoke in favor of the bill. Among them were Congressman Jim Jordan (R) of Ohio, a former collegiate wrestler and coach, and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D) of Minnesota, after she helped facilitate some changes to the original text while it was under consideration in the workforce protection subcommittee.

Opponents of the bill included a letter sent by Bob Arum of Top Rank Boxing, but ultimately, the legislation passed with an overwhelming majority. The bill now moves to the Senate for the next stage of the legislative process before potentially reaching President Donald Trump's desk, where he could sign it into law.