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(AP) -- Legislators have moved South Carolina a step closer to hosting mixed martial arts contests.

The Senate Labor Commerce and Industry Committee on Thursday unanimously approved lifting the state's ban on the fighting events. The bill heads to the full Senate. The House approved it in February.

The sport combines elements of karate, judo, jujitsu and kickboxing. South Carolina would join 37 other states that have approved mixed martial arts contests since New Jersey officials created formal rules for the sport in 2001.

The committee's chairman, Sen. Greg Ryberg, said the contests could be a boon to local economies through hotel stays, restaurant bills and other spending. The Aiken Republican said the sport is no more risky than boxing, which is legal.

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