UFC reinforces economic benefits of its events as push for New York MMA legislation heats up again

by MMAmania.com on Jan 6, 2009 9:31 AM EST

Madison Square Garden

Quoteworthy:

"At a time when the New York economy is in crisis, it would be a mistake for the state to miss out on the considerable revenue that our events would generate. We are eager to bring both the excitement of our new sport as well as its major tax and tourist revenue to New York State."

UFC Vice President for Government and Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner and president of the company Dana White ratchet up the economic rhetoric and financial success of its mixed martial events. Money talks ... and the UFC has the numbers to back it up. According to the article, an independent economic impact study indicates that the promotion would generate about $11.5 million for the "Big Apple." Mixed martial arts is currently unregulated in New York. It appeared to be on the verge of being sanctioned in 2008, but some eleventh-hour concerns from uneducated members of the Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Sports Development scuttled its passage. It appears that the promotion's efforts since that time have been fruitful -- another session on the matter begins in the state capital tomorrow (January 7). Fingers crossed ... Madison Square Garden (MSG) could come soon. UFC 100 in summer time would be ideal.

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Comments

Hahaha… this a great angle to push. Money always talks, especially with government officials. Here’s hoping they can appeal to their wallets so we get a big show at MSG.

by Graham on Jan 6, 2009 9:38 AM EST reply actions

i just hope they don’t have a ufc every month in NY like they do in vegas..

by mikeybear2009 on Jan 6, 2009 10:45 AM EST up reply actions

F That Mikey! I am from Philly and we dont ever get events in the tri state area. Last UFC event was the BS main event Bisping vs. Rashad!

The more they go to NY, the more I will get to see it LIve, and a MANIAC like me deserves it! lol

by john on Jan 6, 2009 11:30 AM EST up reply actions

Oooh! Bisping Evans was rough. That was a classic lay and gas strategy implemented by hashad. For sure though, they’re gonna do UFC 100 at the garden. Anywhere else would be dumb unless it’s the McNickels arena/Now parking lot.

by NameNotRequired on Jan 6, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions

I sure hope that UFC 100 will be at the garden so I could go see it live. anythng else will do!

by john on Jan 6, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions

I find it difficult to believe that there are still uneducated (in the matter of MMA) members on these committees. There is plenty of evidence regarding MMA to make an informed decision. I argue, that said committee members are either too lazy to educate themselves or their minds are made up and they are to stubborn for a sound argument, both from a logical standpoint and a financial standpoint, to change their opinions.

I hope opinions are swayed and our beloved sport is sanctioned for New York.

by Jeff on Jan 6, 2009 9:41 AM EST reply actions

A lot of them are “good ol boys”, its hard to reason with that mentality.

by O Damn he got caught on Jan 6, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions

Plain good ol boys like MMA. These are “good ol sissy boys” who don’t like blood and other yucky stuff.

by James S on Jan 6, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

Well by “good ol boy” I mean Dogmatic narrow minded fundamentalists.

by O Damn he got caught on Jan 6, 2009 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

Is that Marc “Rat” Ratner from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”?

by El_Mexicutioner, formerly The _Mexicutioner on Jan 6, 2009 10:02 AM EST reply actions

Dude, the price of everything in New York City is jacked up beyond belief so the revenue that would bring with a sold out Garden would be nuts.

by El_Mexicutioner, formerly The _Mexicutioner on Jan 6, 2009 10:08 AM EST reply actions

New york has the best food ever; I don’t know what it is, but everything down to the friggin Subway sandwiches out there was better.

by O Damn he got caught on Jan 6, 2009 10:23 AM EST up reply actions

Most of the food is great, but the Mexican food sucks. I’ve never been real impressed with the sushi there either.

by BigRedOne on Jan 6, 2009 11:54 PM EST up reply actions

They should use the money they make from the UFC to pick up the garbage and clean the streets.

by ktown on Jan 6, 2009 10:17 AM EST reply actions

Or take care of their RAT! problem!

by JV on Jan 6, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions

The UFC should do an event in Niagara Falls, Canada. This way they could kind of use the New York name in a promotion and allow New York to study the impact on the economy at close range. Niagara falls already has casinos and will no doubt welcome the UFC with open arms. I hate to say this, but they can put Rashad on the card and put the pressure on New York delegates by mobilizing Western, New York constituents.

by TapedUpPair on Jan 6, 2009 10:40 AM EST reply actions

The UFC is worried about filling an arena in the Falls area they should consider the size and demographics that come from the University of Buffalo alone. Many of these students come from the New York City area to get away from home and yet take advantage of state school tuition. The UFC should look at this tactic for it is similar to that used by Obama to get elected.

by TapedUpPair on Jan 6, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions

I like this idea.

by Jeff on Jan 6, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions

MMA is not sanctioned in the province of Ontario, which is where you’re talking about this proposed event. MMA in Ontario will be a VERY tough nut to crack because the gov’t is very incompetent, lazy and old-school.

by Graham on Jan 6, 2009 11:50 AM EST up reply actions

Thanks for the info! Man – I am curious of how they got the casinos in there as well as the strip clubs???

Perhaps the idea that the UFC is considering getting it sanctioned or an event placed might provide some leverage in the NYC deal.

-Peace

by TapedUpPair on Jan 6, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions

All I know is that casinos have been around for centuries and strip clubs have nothing to do with the legal sanctioning of violent combat sports.

by Graham on Jan 6, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions

MMA in NEW YORK PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Shadow side on Jan 6, 2009 11:08 AM EST reply actions

MMA in New York WILL happen. It is simply a matter of time….

by the killer on Jan 6, 2009 11:21 AM EST reply actions

Is this Killer Miller???

by PhilQNY on Jan 6, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions

Dana White told me in 2008 that they were coming to NY in 2009.
hmmmm

I hoped they would branch out other than the city. that is still 8 hours from me!! Christ!! Can’t a girl catch a break maybe like an hour or 2 from where I live????

by penny buffington on Jan 6, 2009 12:43 PM EST reply actions