MMA legalization goes back to the drawing board in NY
Disappointment doesn't even begin to describe it.
The 2009 New York legislative session has concluded leaving the bill to legalize MMA stranded in committee. It must start the process all over again from the beginning hopefully sometime during the 2010 session. Now if voted on and passed (and that's a big if), the earliest MMA could begin in NY is 2011.
In my humble opinion, the legalization in NY efforts are being hindered by personalities. The problems seem to be more about style than substance.
It appears that some influential assemblymen do not care for the Dana White in your face, F-bomb laden promotional/management style.
During the UFC's fight for survival, the entire sport desperately needed a flamboyant front man. Dana White fulfilled that need beautifully. But now the UFC and MMA in general have matured and are in a new place.
MMA once considered an underground oddity is now a major force on the sporting landscape. Mainstream approval and the 5th seat at the table of major US sports appear possible (NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL). But without the ability to legally display MMA in the media capitol of the world (NYC) the inclusion into the big leagues remains just out of reach.
This latest set back may signal the need for a change in approach. The UFC may be better served by changing its public image. A more business like persona may better achieve what a barrage of F-bombs has yet to deliver.
The 2009 New York legislative session has concluded leaving the bill to legalize MMA stranded in committee. It must start the process all over again from the beginning hopefully sometime during the 2010 session. Now if voted on and passed (and that's a big if), the earliest MMA could begin in NY is 2011.
In my humble opinion, the legalization in NY efforts are being hindered by personalities. The problems seem to be more about style than substance.
It appears that some influential assemblymen do not care for the Dana White in your face, F-bomb laden promotional/management style.
During the UFC's fight for survival, the entire sport desperately needed a flamboyant front man. Dana White fulfilled that need beautifully. But now the UFC and MMA in general have matured and are in a new place.
MMA once considered an underground oddity is now a major force on the sporting landscape. Mainstream approval and the 5th seat at the table of major US sports appear possible (NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL). But without the ability to legally display MMA in the media capitol of the world (NYC) the inclusion into the big leagues remains just out of reach.
This latest set back may signal the need for a change in approach. The UFC may be better served by changing its public image. A more business like persona may better achieve what a barrage of F-bombs has yet to deliver.
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