MMA regulation

In light of recent discussions on issues regarding the Guam Athletic Commission potentially replacing the current Boxing and Wrestling Commission, it needs to be said that MMA events are sanctioned on Guam and have been since our first SuperBrawl in 1997.

In order to protect Guam’s identity in international boxing and to protect fighters from fraudulent promoters, the late Jimmy Ferrante initiated the Guam Boxing Commision. By aligning the rules of the GBC with those of the Nevada Boxing Commission, Ferrante introduced similar protocol for promoters and fighters to provide the structure and atmosphere that would attract participation from international fighters, as well as cement our place in the at-the-time world’s biggest combat sports attraction.

The stability and integrity of our commission was supposed to serve as an attraction for foreign boxers and foreign boxing organizations to give them faith in the reliability and professionalism of Guam’s professional boxing industry and environment.

I was given the blessing and the curse of working closely with and against Mr. Ferrante during event promotions. As a novice promoter, I could not believe the demands of the commission and used to shun and ridicule regulations that I thought were silly, overprotective and did not apply to Guam MMA. I still feel the same for many of these rules, but overall, I can see the purpose of the filter (empowered by the backing of our local government) we know as the Guam Boxing Commision.

Respect needed

The seed that has been planted over a decade ago has already grown into a fruit-bearing tree. It is inconceivable that we should try to move forward without efforts toward a more effective and cooperative neutral body in service, not to any particular event or fighter, but with the focus on the integrity, credibility and potentials of our industry. But in order for this commission to be effective, it must be empowered, and for this commission to be truly empowered, it must be respectful.

I have been in recess from the promotions game for some time now, but it would be nice to know that when I do get involved in another MMA event, I’d be dealing with an educated, synergized and focused commission with a purpose of creating rules and regulations to service and complement our MMA industry. Not a commission that wants to make it more difficult to be a part of.

With everything electric that has happened to date in our islands with professional combat sports, it would be a shame if the local commission adopted foreign and new laws and protocol blindly. Our people, our islands, our efforts deserve more than that. Observe the current state of our art, reflect and learn from the lessons behind us. Take a step back and place this commission into our bigger picture.

The GBC is fortunate to be in such a neutral position. But it is a commission that, in its larger vision, needs both hindsight and foresight. You are the glue that professionally holds together an industry and lifestyle that is semi divided by differing academies, affiliates and martial disciplines. You hold both the ears and voice of a thriving industry.

With the increased pace in local professional combatives, it seems that events are coming every month with more than enough game fighters waiting in line for their 15 minutes of fame. There is a great task at hand for the new GBC. I have met with most of the members and can recognize and have confidence in their good intentions. We can all see their efforts in reaching out to the community. Our intercommunication is the key to ensuring the body be of, for, and by our people.

This is applause for the efforts and good seeds of necessary structure planted by Jimmy Ferrante, and a prayer for the rise of a revised commission that can hopefully, in collaboration and communication with the powers that be, lead our industry with efforts that can match, or even exceed, the sacrifices of our fighter-athletes and promoters.

Roman Dela Cruz is a mixed martial arts super-fan, and a representative of Fury MMA