MMA needs rules and guidelines if it is to continue in Ireland – Noone

Dublin Senator Catherine Noone, has said that rules and guidelines must be put in place, and adhered to by Mixed Martial Arts, if the sport is to continue in Ireland.

“For some time now I’ve been concerned about the violence surrounding MMA and the lack of rules and regulations governing this high-risk sport.

“The death of Portuguese mixed martial arts fighter Joao Carvalho after a fight in Dublin on Saturday night, highlights the real dangers of this extreme sport and the need for regulation.

“I was pleased to hear Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy say that Mixed Martial Arts has no place in the country unless the sport implements rules and guidelines that Sport Ireland are going to bring forward.

“I fully support his views and hope that these regulatory guidelines and codes of practice are produced as soon as possible and strictly followed by the sport. If this happens I would hope that any future serious injury or death could be avoided.”