Thursday afternoon Dana White and the UFC held a press conference in the heart of New York City at Madison Square Garden where they made it clear that they wanted the sport of mixed martial arts legalized and then presented a study that they hoped would prove the point that doing so would be an economic boon for the state. Currently New York is one of only six states in the country that has yet to begin regulating the sport, but with new Governor Andrew Cuomo in office some feel as though regulation may finally be on the horizon.
The study they presented was done by the firm HR&A Advisors and was stuffed with facts and figures which supported legalization. According to them if MMA were to be legalized it would bring an additional $23 Million annually into the state, $16 million of that would be directly because of the UFC. Also, New Yorkers could look forward to tourists dumping an extra $1.4 million into their economy each year, money that is now traveling out of state as fans are forced to head elsewhere to see live events. Finally, it would approximated that in each calendar year there would be around 70 mixed martial arts events held statewide.
Also on hand for the proceedings were Lorenzo Fertitta, UFC co-owner, and reigning UFC Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar. New Jersey native Edgar was there to provide the emotional punch as he spoke candidly about his longing to compete in Madison Square Garden and how the residents of the state would appreciate the opportunity to experience the UFC live. Madison Square Garden Sports President Scott O’Neill was also on hand to help bang the drum proclaiming that the UFC would be welcome in their home just as soon as the sport is regulated in New York.
During the press conference Dana White was optimistic saying that he felt as though the UFC was on brink of a breakthrough there. “I honestly think it’s happening.” he said. “Look who’s represented today. All the people we talk to, from politicians to Madison Square Garden and the list goes on and on. Was New York tougher than every other place? Absolutely. But I feel like we’re right there. We’ve done a great job. Ten years of nothing but success and safety and continuing to grow the sport. I think we’re right there in New York. We’re ready to grow the sport and make it happen.”
