(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 (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.
Maryland Legal Code