Excerpt from The Ultimate Fighting Championship
Mary O'Dell

1 American interest in mixed martial arts is growing. Both male and female athletes are invited to compete, although this sport is not recommended for the prima donna. This full contact fighting combines various martial arts techniques so fighters with different styles can compete against each other. This intriguing sport has convinced more than one athlete that he is not, in fact, the alpha and the omega! Many people think that all combative sports should be strictly monitored and regulated by state commissions. It is obvious that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an organization that promotes combative athletic events. State athletic commissions should strictly monitor and regulate the UFC.

2 The first reason regulation is needed can be traced to the origins of the UFC. Early contests did not have enough rules; groin strikes and head butts were allowed. Surprisingly, even fish hooking, which can result in permanent damage, was permitted. Promoters should never be given carte blanche.

3 The second reason is that reform did not come until political pressure produced bans of certain UFC events. Ignoring public outcries of brutality was a huge faux pas. Damaging image problems and decreasing profits eventually motivated the UFC to work with state athletic commissions to give athletes a safer and fairer competition. We must keep pressure on the promoters. Even competitors with Herculean strength deserve a fair fight.4 Finally, the third and most important reason is that mixed martial arts is dangerous. Serious injuries and deaths have been linked with early events. Tragically, even some gifted athletes who seemed to have the Midas touch have fallen victim to unregulated fights. State commissions must ensure that rules are in place and enforced; rules that celebrate the competitive spirit while protecting the fighters. Without a watchdog group, the sport would become a Pandora’s box. Nothing is more troublesome than unchecked violence. Can you imagine a fight without rules called the Bloody Battle of Odin and Thor?
Which statement BEST opposes a viewpoint in section 3?

A) It is the responsibility of state commissions to make and enforce UFC rules.
B) Regulation of the UFC is needed to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries.
C) It is not the responsibility of state commissions to make and enforce UFC rules.
D) Regulation of the UFC will allow the celebration of an athlete's competitive spirit.