Mixed Martial arts: 1 step closer to legal

A legislative panel has advanced a bill allowing mixed martial arts contests in South Carolina.
   
A Senate panel approved the measure Wednesday, sending it to the full Labor Commerce and Industry Committee. The House approved the bill in February.
   
The increasingly popular sport combines elements of karate, judo, jujitsu and kickboxing. South Carolina law currently bans the fighting events.
   
Legislators say the contests could be a moneymaker for South Carolina. Proponents say the sport has evolved from its no-holds-barred past to a regulated sport broadcast on TV.
   
A contest was held at the Marines’ training facility at Parris Island last October. The state had no jurisdiction on the military installation.