The approved legislation, now headed to Gov. Mike Easley's desk for his signature, would also increase fees the state Alcohol Law Enforcement Division charges fighters, their managers, promoters and referees, to pay for the division's increased responsibilities. A $1.50 fee also would be added to each ticket to fighting events regulated by the state.
In mixed martial arts, fighters use a combination of martial arts, boxing and wrestling to try to defeat an opponent in a ring, cage or combination of the two.
A form of the sport known as "ultimate warrior" matches was banned in North Carolina in the 1990s after it was deemed too bloody and uncontrolled by critics. But supporters argue the sport has cleaned up its act and improved its safety, and it now draws millions of television viewers on cable and pay-per-view outlets.
The legislation approved Thursday removes the "ultimate warrior" ban and legalizes mixed martial arts. It directs the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division and the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety to adopt permanent rules to regulate mixed martial arts as soon as possible.
An earlier version of the bill would have increased the minimum liability insurance requirements for so-called "toughman" events, single-elimination tournaments of amateur boxers that often attract locals to spar at small-town venues. But that provision, which was designed to slowly eliminate the events, was removed in the Senate.
Another bill on Easley's desk, passed last week, creates an advisory commission to make recommendations on regulating boxing and other forms of competitive fighting.
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