UFC's Marc Ratner predicts early 2011 event in New York

Props: New York Post

Quoteworthy:

"To me there's no fathomable reason the sport shouldn't be regulated in New York. Nobody can give me a real reason for it not to be here. This isn't 1995 anymore. They do have rules. It's not no-holds barred anymore. I'm feeling very strongly we're going to get it done. I'm feeling confident. I want the commission to be completely ready for it. I want their employees ready, the judges trained, as well as the referees and inspectors. There's no reason for this sport not to be allowed in New York."

The man behind the UFC's attempt -- and usual inevitable success -- in the sanctioning and regulation of mixed martial arts across the United States and the rest of the world alike, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner, spoke to the New York Post about the prospects of the UFC heading to New York in the near future. And as we all believe, Ratner states that there is absolutely no reason for MMA not be sanctioned in the "Empire State." The UFC executive goes on to say that he expects the promotion to make its way to the "Big Apple" early next year. Though we've been hearing that MMA sanctioning is on the brink in New York for quite some time, are you encouraged by Mr. Ratner's optimism? Or, are you taking an "I'll believe it when I see it" approach to the situation?