Before you can compete in a sanctioned MMA bout in Arizona, you need a combatant license from the Arizona Boxing & MMA Commission, which operates under the Arizona Department of Gaming. The process is straightforward if you know the requirements ahead of time. Here is the complete checklist.
Who Needs a License
Everyone who competes in a sanctioned amateur or professional MMA bout in Arizona must hold a current combatant license. You must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.
The Amateur Combatant License Checklist
- License application, submitted electronically through the Commission's application system.
- Application fee, currently $10, paid online.
- Physical examination administered by an MD or DO.
- Dilated eye examination administered by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- Bloodwork: HIV, Hepatitis C antibody, and Hepatitis B surface antigen.
- Fighters 36 and older: a stress test with EKG and an interpretation letter from an MD or DO clearing you for combat sports.
We keep a current set of the required Arizona medical forms on our fighter resource page, and the Commission publishes full details on its forms, licensing, and fees page.
Deadlines Matter
All medical exams, blood tests, and licensing paperwork must be submitted to the Commission by 4:30 p.m. on the day that begins 48 hours before your scheduled event. Do not wait until fight week. Labs can take several days to return results, and a missing document means you do not fight.
Professional Licensing
The professional checklist builds on the amateur requirements with additional medical and administrative standards. If you are considering turning pro, our breakdown of amateur vs. pro MMA in Arizona explains what changes competitively, and the Commission's FAQ page covers licensing specifics.
Getting Your First Fight
A license makes you eligible. A promotion gives you the opportunity. RUF Nation matches licensed amateur and professional fighters onto cards at Celebrity Theatre year round. If you are training at an Arizona gym and ready to compete, submit your information through our Fight For Us application. Matchmakers review record, weight class, experience, and readiness.
Questions about the process? The Commission can be reached at (602) 364-1721, and our FAQs cover what fighters most often ask us.
