The IFC was soon at work with the athletic commissions in several states to get mixed martial arts accepted as a legal recognized sport. Since it s first event in Kiev, Ukraine in April 1996, IFC events have been held in Mississippi , Alabama , Louisiana , New York , Georgia , North Dakota , Minnesota , California , and Canada . Its rules were the first ones used by a recognized state athletic commission - in Mississippi in 1996. In Canada, a country that had completely banned the sport even from its airwaves, the IFC rules are now the official rules in the Province of Quebec . IFC events will soon be debuting on the air there.
Negotiations continue in other states as well.
Through the efforts of IFC commissioner Paul Smith the IFC rules are currently under consideration in the State of California where it is hoped that the sport will be sanctioned by the fall of 1999. As the IFC continues to grow and to open new territories for mixed martial arts events, it s reputation for exciting, safe, quality events expands around the globe. The IFC receives inquiries from the world s top fighters and is negotiating with promoters in locations as far away as China and South Africa. Through the IFC television network, IFC events have been seen by millions on the continents of North America, South America, Europe, Asia , and Africa. IFC videotapes can be found in many video stores and on the internet.