More charges filed over unsanctioned combat sports in metro Phoenix
Jun 10, 2019, 5:00 PM
(Pixabay Photo)
(Pixabay Photo)
PHOENIX – More charges have been filed against two men accused of running unsanctioned fighting matches across the Phoenix area, authorities said last week.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office filed two new charges each against Roland Sarria and Todd Whitmoyer related to an event held Feb. 2 at Maya New York Pizza Bar & Grill in Mesa, the Arizona Department of Gaming said Wednesday in a press release.
Sarria is the founder of the Arizona-based Rage In the Cage mixed martial arts organization. Whitmoyer is listed on the company website as matchmaker.
Each defendant now faces six charges, three for failing to procure a license and three for failing to provide a ringside physician.
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The charges are class 2 misdemeanors, which carry a maximum fine of $750 and four months in jail.
All pro and amateur combat sports in Arizona — including MMA, boxing, kickboxing and tough man contests – are regulated by the Department of Gaming’s Arizona Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission.
“Fighters competing in an unsanctioned event put themselves and their opponents at risk for serious harm,” Dr. Ken Ota, Arizona-licensed and certified ringside physician, said in the release.
“Event sanctioning is necessary to ensure maximal health and safety of competitors.”
According to a promotional ad included in the press release, the Mesa event was billed as a hands-only amateur martial arts competition. It was open to all ages, with tickets priced at $30, $40 and $50.
In April, Sarria and Whitmoyer were charged in connection to two similar cage-style events, one in Phoenix and one in Glendale, held in September 2018.
Anybody with information about unsanctioned combat sports was asked to call the Department of Gaming at 602-364-1721.
