City Delays MMA Decision

By John Larson
SOCORRO – The use of Finley Gym to stage cage fighting matches is still up in the air, due to City Council concerns over insurance.
Mixed Martial Arts promoter Bill Partridge returned to the City Council Monday to ask that the council to consider renting him the city owned property for his event.
Mayor Dr. Ravi Bhasker said the city’s attorney, Jerry Armijo, had reviewed information concerning Partridge’s request.
“We’re concerned about the spectator insurance policy. The policy you showed us protected the fighters in the ring, but did not mention coverage for spectators,” Bhasker said. “There is no binder or information on injury for spectators that specifically covered injuries.”
“We did not purchase that because felt we did not need it,” Partridge said. “I told council we would get the insurance if the council approved the venue.”
Partridge said he was hesitant to purchase the policy because “if we purchase it and don’t get the venue, we’re out the money.”
Councilor Peter Romero said he felt that legal counsel was needed before approval. Partridge said he could find no standardized protocol on what the city needs.
“I am willing to meet any requirements the city needs. This leaves us in a gray area on what you need or do not need,” Partridge said. “This is a first for me. The armory, where we held fights before, doesn’t need the policy.”
Bhasker said he could not recommend approval to the council.
“I would really say to them at this point the information we have is not enough to protect the city of Socorro,” he said.
“This is a good starting point for the city to develop a good checklist of all the document that need to be lined up in order to be approved,” Councilor Michael Olguin Jr. said. “A checklist would be a good thing to have.”
Partridge said that without an approval “we have to wait an additional 30 days or 60 days,” which meant the event would have to be rescheduled.
Councilor Mary Ann Chavez-Lopez voiced concerned over small children being admitted to the cage fight. Partridge said the event would be limited to those 18 and over, and that ID’s would be checked at the door.
“I have a problem with little kids being around this kind of event,” Councilor Gordy Hicks said. “It would be something I can’t support.”
Partridge said kids are already involved in Mixed Martial Arts.
“The goal for me – I coach the youth – is to show them the right way to win, and the right way to lose,” Partridge said. “I don’t want to be associated with the past. We will do our very best to be upstanding.”
“We haven’t shied away from letting children see this event,” Partridge said. “We’re not at all worried about putting the wrong impression on people. We’d love to have the youth attend.”
Bhasker said the matter would be reconsidered after more documentation is examined by the attorney.
“I don’t think we can get this all together by the time you need. I don’t think we can accomplish this until the thresholds we need for liability are addressed,” Bhasker said. “If I had a vote I’d vote no because of some of the things we’ve had in the past – the frenzy after it’s over.”

City Delays MMA Decision