Top 5 Reasons Why MMA Should Be Legalized In New York

Today, the UFC held an event  to once again state their case for the legalization of MMA in New York. It’s been a long and mostly fruitless battle up to this point, but many predict that that’s soon going to change. Personally, I’ve supported this initiative since day one and am continually proud to do so. In fact, here’s my own personal list of the top 5 reasons why I think MMA should be legalized in New York.

5. Because “violence begets violence” is a term that’s easy to hide behind and has relatively little concrete evidence.

Here’s something you may or may not know about me: I’ve been a hardcore video game nerd a lot longer than I’ve been an MMA fan, so this is one argument I have a long history with and one that I’ve spent a lot of time researching. It seems as if no anti-MMA argument is complete without this term, which insinuates that witnessing violent acts influences people towards violent behavior. But here’s the reality of the situation: there’s virtually no concrete, scientific, factual evidence that supports that theory. It’s a buzz-term, a politician’s term, it’s used when critics want to make themselves look good by making it sound like they’re the mighty protector, shielding the ignorant masses from harm. In truth, it’s just a cheap political ploy that completely undermines the issue.

4. Because this is the entirety of MMA we’re talking about, not just the UFC.

Look past the UFC and its controversial president for one second. This is all of MMA we’re talking about. Don’t think of the UFC and their million-dollar gates and thousands and thousands of fans packing themselves into sold-out arenas. Think of the little guys, the up-and-comers, scraping and clawing their way through dangerous unsanctioned bouts because they can’t afford to fight anywhere else. Think of the minor-league promotions that could survive and even thrive if a lucrative market like New York was opened up. This is a far bigger issue than just seeing the UFC in Madison Square Garden, and MMA’s legalization in New York would hugely benefit the sport as a whole.

3. Because it would make everyone involved massive amounts of money.

Time and time again, this is one of the reasons the UFC absolutely loves to bring up in order to encourage politicians to finally legalize MMA. But here’s the honest truth: no one knows how much money the UFC would make in New York until they hold a show in New York. However, here’s some more truth: all the evidence we have points to the UFC pulling in some serious change and making quite a profit if they do hold a show in New York. And a major sporting event always bolsters the local economy, that’s a proven fact and it applies to many other sports besides MMA. And when it comes to “major sporting events”, the UFC in NYC is about as big as it gets.

2. Because it’s one of the last great barriers to nationwide and perhaps one day worldwide legalization of Mixed Martial Arts.

This is one of the reasons that I personally have brought up several times, and I think it’s as true now as it was back when the debate over MMA’s legalization in New York first arose. New York City is, quite simply, one of the most famous cities in the world. Having a UFC show in NYC would send a strong message that the sport is here to stay, safe to enjoy, and is expanding at a monumental rate.

But my number one reason why I support the legalization of MMA in New York is simply…

1. Because it’s the right thing to do.

That’s it. Period. It’s the right thing to do. For all the reasons I’ve listed and many, many more, the legalization of MMA in New York should happen. It really doesn’t get much simpler than that.

So, that’s what I think, fans and friends. What’s your opinion on the matter?