HRS §440E-22
Fighters' pay rules and advance training money
Money paid to a mixed martial arts fighter for their work is treated as wages. A fighter cannot be paid before a fight, but with the director's approval, a promoter can give money in advance for training.
The statute, as written — Wages of contestant; prepayment prohibited
All moneys paid to a mixed martial arts contestant for services, as money prize, reward, compensation, or otherwise, shall be considered wages. No contestant shall be paid for services before a mixed martial arts contest; provided that with the approval of the director, a promoter may advance sums of money for training purposes.
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