Missouri legislators want to ban 'cage fighting' for kids

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) -- Two state legislators want Missouri to ban kids under 18 from competing in mixed martial arts.

That comes after The Associated Press reported last month that Missouri appears to be the only state where youth matches are legal.

The sport is also known as cage fighting. It's a blend of martial arts styles made popular by cable television's Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Republican state House members Bryan Stevenson of Webb City and Steve Hunter of Joplin are sponsoring the measure.

Stevenson said he already had been alarmed by reports of youth competitions before the AP report.

Stevenson said he believes mixed martial arts is brutal and more dangerous for kids than other sports, including wrestling.