Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission Consumer Protection Alert: Warning of the Risk of Unsanctioned Events

The Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission (“the Commission”) has been made aware of an unsanctioned boxing event scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Chino Valley, Arizona. Because this event is not sanctioned by the Commission or any State or Tribal Commission recognized by the Association of Boxing Commissions (“ABC”), this event is an unsanctioned event. The Department urges the public, participants, and licensees to exercise caution and avoid involvement in unregulated combat sports activities.

The Commission regulates unarmed combat sports in Arizona to protect the safety of fighters, ensure fair competition, and uphold professional standards. Sanctioned events are subject to strict oversight, including medical evaluations, ringside physicians, trained officials, and adherence to state laws and regulations. Under Arizona Revised Statutes (“A.R.S.”) § 5-236, participation in an unsanctioned event may result in a class 2 misdemeanor and license revocation, denial, or suspension.

Accordingly, the Commission has ordered the organizers of this event to cancel all planned or contemplated combat sporting events in Arizona that have not received official sanctioning from the Commission. They have been further directed to refrain from promoting, hosting, or engaging in this activity unless proper authorization has been obtained. The hosting and/or promoting of unsanctioned combat sporting events is illegal, and conducting these events without appropriate licensure is a class 1 and class 2 misdemeanor within the State of Arizona.

Consumer Protection & Fighter Safety

Unregulated events pose significant risks to all involved. It’s important to emphasize that regulated events require fighters to have up-to-date medical exams before stepping into the ring. In contrast, unregulated or unsanctioned events typically bypass these critical requirements, significantly increasing risk to fighter safety.

Fighters may be exposed to unsafe conditions, improper matchmaking, and a lack of medical supervision. These events often occur without doctors or emergency medical services on-site, and without adherence to established health and safety protocols. This absence of regulatory oversight puts both fighters and spectators at risk, leaving them vulnerable to unethical practices and substandard safety measures.

Risk to Licensees and Participants

Any individual licensed by the Commission—whether a fighter, promoter, official, or second—who participates in or supports an unsanctioned event may face disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of their license. Promoters who operate without the required approvals are subject to legal penalties under Arizona law.

Reporting Unlicensed Activity

The Department takes reports of unsanctioned events seriously. If you are aware of unsanctioned combat sports activity and would like to provide tips or information, please contact the Department’s Division of Boxing and MMA’s messaging line at (602) 364-1721 or email [email protected]. Tips may also be submitted through [email protected]. You may choose to remain anonymous.

The Department remains committed to ensuring the integrity, safety, and professionalism of unarmed combat sports in Arizona. The safety of our Licensees is the Commission’s greatest concern, so participation in unsanctioned events—a high safety risk—will be addressed to the fullest extent of the Commission’s statutory authority. Please be forewarned that any Licensee of the Commission that participates in this event will be subject to the disciplinary consequences outlined above.