Mixed-Martial Arts (MMA) is one of, if not thee greatest sport in the history of this planet. MMA is legal to be put on display in forty four states in the entire United States of America; not including Native American reservations that can choose on their own to permit MMA events on their own sovereign boundaries. In MMA news constantly, is the fact that the state of New York has repeatedly shot down votes and arguments to legalize the sport to be put on live display within their boundaries. So one question that many of us MMA fans who reside within the permitting forty four states ask is: why should we care if the Empire State doesn't want MMA?
I myself being a proud Californian who obviously loves this great sport asked the same question long ago before I realized the importance. New York has had a strong loving relationship with the traditional sport of Boxing. The debate about which sport is better will not be brought up here, but it does play a role obviously. New York State is seen by many devoted MMA fans and followers as the final stronghold of boxing. Many who are old enough to remember can recall when US Senate Congressman John McCain led a crusade to ban what was then called "Ultimate Fighting" from television, Pay-per-View, & even entirely from being put on live display. Those of you would recall that Sen. McCain was also being financially backed and used by boxing promotions to simply crush what would become their ultimate rival in the years to come as the drawing power of the sport began to fade.
It is no secret that New York loves the sport of boxing with being host to two of the three Ali-Frazier bouts. And it is no surprise that boxing promotions are dumping their money into one big pot to keep New York legislators from potentially adding a nail to the coffin of the dying popularity of the sport. Boxing is protecting New York like its sacred land and Madison Square Garden is their castle.
The importance of MMA being legalized in NY is not just about the war of words between boxing & MMA, but about the importance of being recognized as a legitimate sport. Many of us who follow & love MMA see it as the greatest sport in the world, but there are those out there who do not know what it is or even consider it a sport. NY is an important state economically & politically in the USA. With NY being the final stronghold of boxing, legalization in the state would mean true recognition as a legitimate sport. Legalization alone would attract even more recognition and maybe go a long way to move the sport even close to becoming an Olympic event. The fan frenzy, media coverage, & "A" list attendees that would personally witness the first ever sanctioned UFC event in MSG would bring millions of dollars alone to New York City. Any fighter who would be displayed in the first ever UFC MSG card would get great recognition & a big payday. So many NY born & based fighters have dreamed of competing in the most recognized arena in the world and even more to just be on the main card. Former UFC Champions Rashad Evans & Matt Serra, as well new Light Heavyweight champ Jon Jones are a few NY born fighters who would love to for once have the home field advantage fighting in front of friends, family, & the hometown crowd.
With the sport of MMA being so young as compared to boxing, there are plenty of dream matches that are reasonable to set as many of those fighters are in their prime or heading into the twilight of their careers anyway. Such matches include Silva-GSP, SIlva-Jones, Edgar-Aldo, & many more as more prospects and contenders rise every day. Boxing really only has the dream bout that all combat sports fans have been calling for with Pacquiao-Mayweather, though the chances seem to be fading faster as Pacquiao focuses on his commitments as an elected official in his homeland, and Mayweather dealing with image destroying legal troubles. The sport of MMA needs a victory in New York state to progress further into legitimacy, and it will possibly by the end of 2011.
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