LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The state House on Wednesday passed bills aimed at regulating mixed martial arts fights in Michigan.

The legislation's sponsor, Democrat Barbara Farrah of Southgate, says the bills are needed to draw professional events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship to the state.

The bills would expand state law covering boxing to include contests sponsored by mixed martial arts organizations.

The main bill in the package passed the House by a 94-14 vote. The legislation now goes to the Senate.

At least 23 states have in some way regulated the sport, most of them since 2000, and several other states are considering similar action.

Some professional mixed martial arts fight promoters say they want to know regulations are in place for their sport before they seriously consider hosting events in a particular state.

Not all states and communities are rushing to embrace the sport. For example, a half-dozen cities in Minnesota have banned or restricted mixed martial arts fighting because of safety concerns.

But the fights — which may include karate, judo and wrestling moves in addition to boxing — are growing in popularity at arenas, on television and through pay-per-view events.