Arkansas legislators recently took a look at the world of combat sports licensing — think boxing, MMA, and the folks who make the bouts possible. The hearing focused on what fighters, referees, promoters, and even announcers pay the state to legally step into the ring. A couple of Democrats on the committee floated the idea of raising those fees.
💸 Current Fees
The Arkansas State Athletic Commission regulates fighters, referees, judges, trainers, promoters, announcers, and more. Ringside physicians are licensed but don’t pay a fee. For everyone else, the costs are small:
Fighters: $15
Judges: $20
Referees: $25
Inspector fee cap: $125 (currently set at $100)
Commission Director Ralph Hudson described the amounts as “de minimis.”
📈 Talk of Increases
Sen. Fredrick Love — who’s running for governor in 2026 — raised the idea of increasing fees. Others pointed out the legislature already passed a change this year letting the commission bill promoters for actual event costs like inspectors’ travel and hotel rooms. Before that, those expenses came out of the commission’s budget.
📋 Commission in Limbo
Authorized for 7 members
Currently has 4, all serving on expired terms
Without a full board, the group has to have everyone present just to do business
Appointments are made by the governor, but vacancies have lingered for years.
🤼 Legislative Cage Match?
Not all business was serious. Sen. Tyler Dees suggested a “House vs. Senate” fight night, saying Rep. Nick Burkes had already challenged him to a kickboxing match. Hudson quipped the commission might even waive the fee “just to see it.”
🔍 What’s Next
The committee signed off on the rules without objection. The bigger question — whether fighters and officials will face higher fees — remains undecided.
🧾 What They Pay Now
Here’s the full breakdown of annual license fees and how many Arkansans currently hold them:
🥊 Boxer / Kickboxer – $20 (479 licensees)
🥋 Mixed Martial Artist – $20 (361)
🧑⚖️ Competitive Sports Judge – $15 (54)
⏱️ Timekeeper – $15 (20)
🎤 Ring Announcer – $20 (29)
🧑⚕️ Seconds / Corner – $15 (22)
🧑⚖️ Referee – $25 (21)
📋 Event Coordinator – $100 (10)
🤝 Athletic Promoter / Matchmaker – $100 (40)
🧑💼 Athletic Manager – $50 (7)