HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania will allow mixed martial arts events after state officials wrote new safety regulations.

The sport combines elements of karate, judo, jujitsu and kickboxing. Proponents say mixed martial arts has evolved from its no-holds-barred past that Sen. John McCain once called "human cockfighting."

States including New Jersey, Ohio and Maryland already permit it. Pennsylvania expects to regulate four to five events a month. Promoters and fighters must be licensed and insured. Fighters also must take a pre-fight physical and emergency personnel must be at ringside at all times.

Ultimate Fighting Championship is the biggest name in mixed martial arts.