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(AP) -- COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina legislators have approved a bill lifting the state ban on mixed martial arts contests.

The House unanimously approved the bill. It requires another, perfunctory vote before heading to the Senate.

The increasingly popular sport combines elements of karate, judo, jujitsu and kickboxing. State law currently bans the fighting events.

Legislators say the state is missing out on the tourists and dollars such contests could bring.

Proponents say the sport has evolved from its no-holds-barred past to a regulated sport broadcast on TV.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

APNP 02-26-09 2029EST

(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)