Kickboxing Ontario will now oversee amateur mixed martial arts in the province.

The Liberal government has given its stamp of approval to the group's application to be the governing body for amateur MMA.

Kickboxing Ontario will sanction every event and appoint a chief official who can shut down any competition that doesn't follow the rules.

The government says it wants to ensure the safety of kids who participate in the sport.

Children as young as 10 can participate in amateur MMA, which is done on mats and involves light contact.

The government says amateur MMA athletes win competitions by accumulating points, but hits to the head are not allowed.