This bill seeks to alter the language of the current law and if passed would eliminate 2 of the 3 sanctioning bodies currently approved by the DPOR to oversee amateur MMA events in the Commonwealth.  The language proposed in HB 1228 would create a MONOPOLY for one sanctioning body.  This would have a horrible adverse affect on the local economies throughout the state, brought in from amateur MMA events.  Especially in the Southwest and Central areas of Virginia, who would not be able to afford to bring in a sanctioning body from across the state.  Monopolies are NEVER good for the citizens and the passing of this bill, HB1228 would not only hinder the economy of counties all across the Commonwealth, but would also hinder the overall growth of the sport.  The UCA (United Combat Arts) sanctioning body based out of Southwest, VA has NEVER had any adverse reports sent to the DPOR regarding the events they have overseen, so there is no good reason to try to change the qualifications so they would no longer qualify to serve the sport as a State approved sanctioning organization.  State lawmakers needs to take a serious look at what/who is driving this proposed bill and restore some faith in the political system by rejecting HB 1228.