Farmington Hills Council Talks Cage Fighting

An anticipated "cage fight" at in Farmington Hills has Police Chief Chuck Nebus asking city officials to establish some rules for the events. 

Cage fights occur in rings surrounded by padded, chain link fencing. Vladimir's hosted a 2011 amateur event that attracted several hundred people.

At Monday night's city council study session, Nebus said while the State of Michigan has rules for professional matches, it does not regulate amateur fighting. Hills officers monitored the 2011 event, and Nebus anticipates organizers will seek permission for another event this year.

"What we're struggling with here is we don't have any regulation or guidelines," he said. 

Council member Richard Lerner suggested crafting a local ordinance with state-wide rules for professional matches, "except the rule that the promoter has to be licensed by the state."

Mayor Barry Brickner also felt that organizers should bear the cost of security, having a doctor on the premesis and paramedics on standby. "I don't see us holding their hands," he said. 

City attorney Steve Joppich will draft an ordinance that officials will consider at a future meeting.