In a massive leap forward for the industry, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1136, making California the first state to offer a retirement benefit fund for MMA fighters.
The California bill establishing a retirement fund for MMA fighters has been signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom pic.twitter.com/7yEzP9yFSn
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) October 10, 2023
The fund is set to come into action at the beginning of 2024, and the California State Athletic Commission still has a number of details to iron out, but this could be the beginning of a massive leap forward for fighters that dedicate their life to the sport.
To become eligible for the benefit fund, a fighter must complete in at least 39 rounds of MMA in California, and will only be granted access to the fund once that are at least 50 years old.
“MMA promotions have seen immense growth in the past three decades, and those fighters who came to California to compete deserve compensation in retirement. It is time MMA fighters get their share.”
-CSAC Executive Officer Andy Foster
Back in 1982, California brought a similar pension into effect for professional boxers, and many feel that MMA catching up with the times is beyond overdue.