WATERTOWN (AP) -- The Watertown City Council has defeated a proposed ordinance that would have banned mixed martial arts events in the city.
KWAT radio reports that Monday night's 5-3 vote came after an hour of discussion.
Fight promoter Mike Alama (AWL'-uh-muh) told the council that the sport is safer than other contact sports such as boxing and football. Resident Marjorie Tesch said mixed martial arts fighting was barbaric and shouldn't be allowed.
A second ordinance that would have put restrictions on MMA events in Watertown was tabled. A motion to put the matter before city voters failed on a tie vote.
