# Business Regulation (GBR)

## Title 4. Athletics

### Subtitle 1. Definitions

#### Section 4-101

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Boxing" includes sparring.

(c) "Commission" means the State Athletic Commission.

(d)

  (1) "Contest" means a boxing, kick boxing, or wrestling:

    (i) competition;

    (ii) exhibition;

    (iii) match;

    (iv) performance; or

    (v) show.

  (2) "Contest" includes a mixed martial arts:

    (i) competition;

    (ii) match;

    (iii) performance; or

    (iv) show.

  (3) "Contest" does not include a mixed martial arts exhibition.

(e) "Contestant" means an individual who participates in a boxing, professional kick boxing, amateur kick boxing, professional mixed martial arts, or amateur mixed martial arts contest.

(f) "Mixed martial arts" means a competition in which contestants use interdisciplinary forms of fighting, including various forms of martial arts, involving:

  (1) striking with the hands, feet, knees, or elbows; and

  (2) grappling by take-downs, throws, submissions, or choke holds.

(g) "Mixed martial arts exhibition" means mixed martial arts where:

  (1) contact to the body is permitted in only a restrained manner;

  (2) contact to the head is not permitted; and

  (3) no contact is permitted that may result, or is intended to result, in physical harm to an opponent.

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Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)