The author of that bill is Geoff Varney, a student at West Virginia University's Law School, and while the bill didn't make it out of committee, he and other supporters want to spread the word about MMA and what they think the sport can do for the state.

The state's Athletic Commission raised concerns about the sport's safety and the economic impact it will have on boxing, a legal contact sport.

A medical expert on the panel said the mixed martial arts are actually safer than boxing, because it uses lighter gloves, causing fewer traumatic head injuries.

MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, and West Virginia is one of only two states where it's illegal to hold a match, meaning that money goes elsewhere.

"Studies show that it has less a risk of brain injury (than boxing)," said Varney, "and that it could bring millions of dollars into the economy of West Virginia. And with a 10 percent unemployment rate, we need the money, and restaurants and hotels around here would benefit from mixed martial arts in the end."

New York is the only other state that hasn't repealed the ban on MMA matches, and it's legislature might make that move this month.

West Virginia will have to wait until a special legislative session this summer, or the next regular session to discuss the ban again.