I am in support of the Legislation HB 1228. I have been involved in MMA and fought since the Vale Tudo times in 1996.  As this sport has progressed and grown, fighter safety from a MMA sanctioning body has been nearly non-existent. MMA is a completely different sport compared to Boxing.  They are not one in the same nor should they ever be considered to be the same.  The rules and referees are different and need a compitent and well versed person(s) inside the ring.  I have been to numerous fights and some that have a very incompitent authority in the ring. Which  should not be acceptable when a fighters safety or life is at risk. Virginia should be leading the way in providing fighters the proper diligence for there safety that they deserve and train for.