Combative Sports
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View upcoming events on the event schedule page.
Combative Sports is a full contact competition between two contestants.
The primary sport in this program is boxing. Other sports regulated by this program are kick boxing, shoot wrestling / fighting, pancration wrestling / fighting, mixed martial arts contests or any form of competition in which a blow is struck which may reasonably be expected to inflict injury.
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News and Updates
Boxing and MMA Referee and Judging Classes Available Aug. 27-28
July 15, 2022
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Combative Sports program will offer training classes for boxing and MMA referees and judges August 27 and 28 in Austin. The two-day training will feature industry experts from both the boxing and MMA communities. The classes will be held at the Radisson Hotel, 6121 N IH-35 Austin, Texas. Sign up for the classes today to guarantee a seat. Attendees must make their own hotel arrangements.
Deregulation of Combative Sports Event Coordinators, Matchmakers, and Seconds
July 23, 2021
Effective September 1, 2021, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) will no longer license Combative Sports Event Coordinators, Matchmakers, or Seconds.
Texas House Bill 1560, passed during the 87th Regular Legislative Session (2021), removed the license requirement for these functions. All existing Event Coordinator, Matchmaker, and Second licenses expired on September 1, 2021. TDLR will no longer accept new or renewal applications for these license types.
Although a license is no longer required for Combative Sports Seconds, anyone serving as a Second must still meet the requirements listed in 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 61.
TDLR Discontinues COVID-19 Protocols for Combative Sports Events
July 1, 2021
TDLR has discontinued COVID-19 protocols for Combative Sports events in Texas until further notice, as of July 1, 2021.
Advisory Board Meetings
December 15, 2021
The Combative Sports Advisory Board met December 15, 2021 via videoconference. The meeting was archived and is available on TDLR’s YouTube channel. The agenda and staff reports are available online.