By Andy Samuelson

Published Monday, Nov. 10, 2008 | 1:11 p.m.

Updated Monday, Nov. 10, 2008 | 1:11 p.m.

Last week the Nevada State Athletic Commission ended its 2008 term having seen the state’s most popular sports of boxing and mixed martial arts thrive despite a weakening economy.

Contests including Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Ricky Hatton (Dec. 8, 2007), Joe Calzaghe vs. Bernard Hopkins (April 19, 2008), B.J. Penn vs. Sean Sherk (May 24, 2008), Forrest Griffin vs. Quinton Jackson (July 5, 2008) brought in more than $3.6 million in revenue to the state of Nevada’s general fund.

According to the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, major events governed by the commission generated an estimated non-gaming economic impact of at least $58.5 million during the November 2007 through October 2008 term.

“The commission certainly serves an important economic function in Nevada,” said Keith Kizer, executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

“Millions of dollars are spent by those who attend and support the events.”

In addition to these revenue boons, the commission also implemented several new regulations to ensure that these fighting sports continue to be both successful and safe in the future.

“We have made several strides in regulation this year. The commission implemented required steroid and drug testing for out-of-competition athletes and began publishing important health care information for fighters,” said chairman of the commission John Bailey, of information that included a mouth guard study and report on hydration, dehydration and concussions.