PHOENIX - Two men have been charged after allegedly running unsanctioned MMA (mixed martial arts) events in Phoenix and Glendale in Sept. 2018, according to the Arizona Department of Gaming.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office filed four class 2 misdemeanors against Rolan Sarria and Todd Whitmoyer for failing to obtain a license and failing to provide a physician for the two MMA events.
The charges carry a maximum fine of $750 and four months of jail time, but could could assess a maximum fine of $10,000. Additional charges could be coming, according to the gaming department.
“Unarmed combat sports are highly regulated competitions that require careful oversight to ensure the safety of the combatants and the spectating public, as well as a fair competition and impartial result,” said Francisco Meneses, Jr., the executive director of the Arizona Boxing & MMA Commission. “Unsanctioned events pose a physical danger to fighters and the public alike and compromise the integrity of combat sports."
Anyone who needs information on unsanctioned events or has tips for the Arizona Dept. of Gaming can call (602) 364-1721.
