Robert (Bob) Bennett
Bob Bennett is another not so well known figure in MMA, but that will likely change over the next few years.
The former FBI agent replaced Keith Kizer as the Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) in April this year. The NSAC is widely seen as being one of the most influential commissions with regards to MMA due to the fact Las Vegas – a city within the NSAC’s jurisdiction – has traditionally been a stronghold for major MMA events like the UFC.
Many policies, rules and initiatives that are devised by the NSAC are normally adopted by other athletic commissions after they are announced. In short, when it comes to regulating MMA in the US (and arguably in general) the NSAC usually takes the lead.
This is why Bennett is a powerful figure in MMA. He will oversee the licensing of all fighters set to compete in events within the state as well as the aptitude of judges, the latter of which has been a controversial issue in the sport.
He will also oversee the constant initiative to make MMA a clean sport, which the NSAC views as a top priority as evidenced by their ban on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for all fighters in February.
