California MMA Fighters Await Retirement Benefit Fund As Legislation Nears Approval
California mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters are eagerly anticipating the approval of legislation that would establish a retirement benefit fund specifically for them. As the bill awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature, fighters like Josh Hokit are preparing for their professional MMA debuts. Hokit, a 25-year-old heavyweight and former football player and wrestler, is set to compete in his first match on Saturday at the Bellator 300 event.
While Hokit focuses on his upcoming fight, he is also aware of the legislation that could impact his future career. If AB 1136 is signed into law, more than 400 licensed MMA fighters in California would need to accumulate 39 scheduled rounds in the state starting next year in order to be eligible for the retirement benefit fund. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, does not provide retroactive coverage for fighters.
The proposed law outlines various mechanisms to generate revenue for the pension plan. In addition to a $1 assessment on event tickets, funds could be generated through the sale of special interest license plates, commission-branded items, contributions from mixed martial artists, managers, promoters, and other sources. According to Andy Foster, the executive officer of the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC), the retirement benefit fund will not rely on taxpayer money.
Discussions about providing retirement benefits to MMA fighters have been ongoing since 2015, but progress was halted by the pandemic. The retirement fund is seen as a way to ensure the long-term financial well-being of fighters who were previously excluded from such protections. Foster acknowledged that the oversight was not intentional and aims to create a sustained funding model for the benefit of athletes.
Lessons learned from the implementation of the boxing safety net have been taken into account during the development of the MMA retirement benefit fund. Last year, it was reported that only a small percentage of eligible boxers and beneficiaries claimed their pension benefits. As a result, the CSAC has made efforts to improve communication and ensure fighters are well-informed about retirement benefits. They have updated contractual language to provide fighters with annual financial statements and emphasized the importance of notifying the commission of address changes.
For fighters like Hokit, the establishment of the retirement benefit fund represents a significant step towards securing their future. As one of the largest combat sports states in the world, California hosts numerous professional MMA and boxing events each year. If the MMA pension had been established when the state began regulating the sport in 2006, many fighters, including veterans like Cris Cyborg Santos and Henry Corrales, would be eligible for substantial one-time payments or alternative benefits.
The potential growth of the retirement benefit fund could benefit fighters who have dedicated their careers to competing in California. As the sport continues to thrive in the state, fighters like Hokit could accumulate the necessary rounds and ultimately reap the benefits of the pension plan.
In conclusion, the pending legislation awaiting Governor Newsom’s approval offers hope for California’s MMA fighters, providing them with long-term financial security. The retirement benefit fund would ensure that fighters are adequately compensated for their contributions to the sport, adding an additional layer of protection for their futures. With the potential growth of the fund, fighters like Hokit can envision a brighter future in the world of MMA.
