MMA News
Beginning anew in the Golden State
Posted by Deshalen Barber on the 18 November 2009 | View Comments
The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) recently formed the California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Organization (CAMO) that will not only enhance the wellbeing of amateur competitors during competition, but also provide a more stable atmosphere for up incoming combatants. The advisory boards which primary purpose is to oversee and enforce the regulatory rules that will be put in place by CAMO currently consist of:
· Bas Rutten – A former UFC Heavyweight Champion and three time King of Pancrase, Rutten continues to be a prominent figure in MMA as both an elite training specialist and the host of HDNet’s “Inside MMA”
· John McCarthy – One of MMA’s most recognizable faces, McCarthy, known to many as “Big John” has handled referee duties for more MMA championship bouts than any other referee in the sport’s history. McCarthy will oversee CAMO’s approved official training program for referees and judges.
· Dan Henderson – The only Mixed Martial Artist to concurrently hold championship belts in two weight classes, Henderson has earned more MMA tournament victories than anyone in the sport’s history. A former US Olympic wrestler, Henderson also owns Clinch Gear – an MMA apparel brand and is a founding member of Team Quest, one of MMA’s most prominent fight teams.
· Eric Paulson – Paulson, an expert in more than 9 combat disciplines, was the first American to win Japan’s famed Shooto title – a title he held for five years. Paulson currently is considered the sport’s leading expert in submission techniques and training, handling training duties for some of MMA’s elite names, including Brock Lesnar, Josh Barnett and Renato “Babalu” Sobral.
· Josh Schwartz – A Harvard Law graduate, Schwartz brings expertise and relationships across the entertainment, sports and advertising industries. Schwartz formerly held the position of COO for Los Angeles-based sports marketing firm, Wasserman Media Group.
· Steve Rusich – Considered being one of MMA’s leading fight brokers, Rusich manages an extensive list of MMA professionals. In addition to his work in MMA, Rusich owns Valley Auto Center and Valley Kia in Fontana, Calif.
· Marc Altieri – A 15-year sports marketing and PR specialist, Altieri’s experience includes extensive MMA work, and handling PR duties for major promotions including EliteXC’s nationally televised CBS broadcasts. Through his company Leader, Inc., Altieri handles marketing and PR for a variety of leading national brands and professional athletes.
“Through its website (www.camo-mma.org), CAMO provides licensing services for promoters, inspectors, fighters, trainers, referees and judges intent on competing in and working at amateur MMA or Pankration events in California. CAMO requires that promoters carry insurance for both events and fighters. The organization requires medical testing for all fighters and has approved a formal training program for all licensed MMA referees and judges. The CAMO site maintains records for every licensed MMA fighter in California, while also offering profiles for the fighters, allowing promoters an efficient means of sourcing talent for events. In total, CAMO offers a more comprehensive level of service than most other organizations currently serving in a similar capacity in other states and hopes to serve as the model going forward for all governing and oversight agencies for amateur MMA across the country.“
What CAMO is setting out to accomplish is nothing short of revolutionary, as well as a benchmark for the sport of mixed martial arts. By months end the organization intends to surface with a properly sanctioned and licensed amateur event. The purpose for the event is to flush out the current status quo, while educating promoters and fighters alike as to how an amateur event should be conducted so that it meets CAMO guild lines. On top of the responsibilities CAMO has set for them, the group is currently in the works to conduct an annual California State Amateur MMA Championship Tournament.
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