COLUMBIA, S.C.- Legislation allowing mixed martial arts competitions in South Carolina is up for discussion next week by a Senate panel.

The measure would repeal South Carolina's ban on such fighting events and direct the State Athletic Commission to regulate the combative sport.

Proponents say the increasingly popular sport would bring money
and tourists to the state.

They contend South Carolina is losing revenue to neighboring states that allow the sport. North Carolina lawmakers legalized it last year.

Advocates say mixed martial arts has evolved from its no-holds-barred past to a regulated sport broadcast on TV.