Why not? Any tax revenue the state can get is welcome. And there is nothing wrong with legalizing the MMA.

If the two people in the ring are consenting adults then by all means let them beat each other to a pulp and charge people whatever the market dictates to watch it.

I think ultimate fighting is completely barbaric. How could anyone call bashing a guys head in till he bleeds, a sport? I am upset this type of fighting is shown on tv, forget about it becoming legal! I am sure we can find other ways of generating money for the state than this! If not, then maybe the legislature should be the first in the octagon to fight one another.

I see no problem with it
People want to compete in it,people want to see it and they are willing to pay to see it

I think mma should be allowed because in boxing matches, fighters go about 15 rounds of 5 mins, but mma fighters fight for only 3 rounds of 5 mins

No I do not think Ultimate Fighting should be legalized in New York. In fact, I think ALL states should ban it as well as Boxing. They are barbaric and the lack of an object other than sheer violence disqualifies them as sports. Injuries occur in all sports, but the object in a football game for example, is to make a touchdown by getting the ball into the end zone. In basketball the object is to get the ball through the hoop. The only object in Ultimate Fighting and Boxing is to beat another human being into a bloody pulp. And, if a person is really successful at fighting, they get to live a diminished life because the human brain can only take so much pounding.

It is about time that NY got in the action. NJ & CT has a strong hold on these events. Money to be made all around. The sport has evolved to one of sportmanship. Those who say it's barbaric have not seen WWE and the rest of those phoney Wrestling shows, where the competitors use chairs and other unsportmen like actions.

I think it should be Legalized. I'm speaking from a fighter from NY point of view. It's a well maintained sport and yes it is violent but so is boxing. there hasn't been 1 death from ring related injuries...boxing has had them. the refs take great care of the fighters. they stop it before the fighter takes too much damage. they have so many rules so you can't severely hurt the opposing fighter. it's a very popular sport and still growing. so the revenue it would bring in for NY would be incredible. So i'm all for MMA becoming legal in NY.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is most certainly a respectable, lucrative and safe sport.
Sport; commonly defined as an organized, competitive, and skillful physical activity requiring commitment and fair play.
Respectable; Meriting esteem; worthy.
Lucrative; Producing wealth; profitable.
Safe… more deaths have occurred in vending machine accidents (per year) than in the history of MMA.

I deffenently think mma should be legalized! My 2 sons practice mma and my daughter is going to start next year. Unlike many parrents out there, I am very involved with my kids so they know that mma is only practiced at the mma gym and not at home. To say that mma is more barbaric than other sports out there is just rediculas! If you dont like it dont watch it! If youre worried about youre children getting hurt by emulating this then step up and be a part of thier lives! Let them know its not ok to copy every thing they see on tv.

MMA should absolutely be legalized, New York in only one of few states currently where it is not. Its becoming a huge success not only in the US but across the world. It would being a Ton of money into New York and generate huge revenue for local businesses. Why would NY, want there residents going to NJ to see these events when they can have it here. The greatest Place on earth. Its Safe and has its regulations just like any other sport!!!!

MMA needs to be legal in NY, It is just as safe as any other sport. The fighters in MMA are well trained athletes. There is alot more to the sport then just beating each other to a pulp like some people think. MMA requires alot of skill and a very well thought out game plan. New York needs to join the rest of the country and the world and legalize this great sport that so many people love.

First I would like to point out the complete and utter conserative views here

Sarah said: "How could anyone call bashing a guys head in till he bleeds, a sport?" This implies that the object is to bash a guy's head in until it bleeds. This is completely incorrect. The object of the sport is to win by submission/knockout/decision. And how can you condone MMA when you say nothing about boxing? MMA is safer than boxing, in Boxing they often get hit in the head and body for up to 15 rounds, MOST MMA fights go to 3 rounds and fights can be ended if the referee does not think the fighter is intelligently defending himself or if the fighter has a prolonging cut.

Dianne Thompson said: "And, if a person is really successful at fighting, they get to live a diminished life because the human brain can only take so much pounding." Well actually that is not true, first of all their quality of life should be decided by them and only them, secondly there are many fighters such Chuck Liddell and Kenny Florian who have university degrees. Chael Sonnen was running for state representative in Oregon. And surely if they are successful at fighting this should mean that they take less hits to the head.

Let me just end this with saying that it's disgraceful that boxing is allowed and has been for decades in this state and they rule out a sport without even knowing anything about it. Just these few comments of pre-conceieved notions show the lack of information or the lack of willingness to look for information among the public. I would ask that it is legalised (obviously unless you hadn't read my comment yet).

For those that say fighters are at risk of injury or death - there has not been one single death in a sanctioned MMA fight. The precautions that are taken in the UFC are as follows - "pre and post-fight MRIs, four ringside doctors and two ambulances in case of emergency at each event and mandatory steroid testing". In the timeless words of Bob Dylan, "Don't criticise what you can't understand".

Barbaric; Marked by crudeness or lack of restraint in taste, style, or manner.
Clearly, the few anti MMA posters have never studied any Jiu-Jitsu or have any understanding of MMA’s safety procedures. The sport is not for everybody only a mere few hundred million fans

MMA SHOULD'VE BEEN REGULATED IN NY A LONG TIME AGO! I MEAN MMA IS LEGALIZED AND REGULATED IN 44 STATES, IF IT WAS REALLY THAT BARBARIC WOULD IT LEGAL IN THAT MANY STATES? MMA EVENTS HAVE PROVEN THAT THEY'VE DRAWN NOTHING BUT MONEY FOR EVERY STATE THAT HOSTS IT! AN MMA EVENT IN NY WILL DRAW NOTHING BUT MONEY AT A TIME WHERE NY NEEDS MONEY! IF NY CAN HOST BOXING, IT CAN DEFINITELY HOST THE UFC. I SUPPORT MMA COMING TO NY, I'M A BIG FAN OF THE SPORT AND I HOPE IT COMES TO MSG, THAT WOULD BE HISTORIC.

The lawmakers that are opposed to MMA, in my opinion, are uneducated about the sport. There are a few former boxers, or boxing fans in Albany that are naturally against MMA altogether. I ask those that doubt the sport to put aside their mixed feelings and consider the benefits. The monetary benefits are obvious. Vegas and other states rake in plenty of cash when the UFC is in town. We have prime real estate to host the UFC and other MMA organizations. There are MMA schools throughout the city already. People look for it whether it's in NY or not. Let's bring it here and give it a home. It's silly not to have MMA in NY. Let's get it done.

Today's MMA is nothing like the original UFC. There are a lot of rules as to what you can and can't do and a lot of safety precautions. MMA is in high demand these days. As another poster noted, it is legal in other places and it is generating a lot of revenue, so why not? Anyone that thinks it is barbaric is very misinformed.

For close-minded people like SARAH & Dianne: MMA is a strategic sport where it takes more than just "bashing a guys head in till he bleeds" or "They are barbaric and the lack of an object other than sheer violence disqualifies them as sports". Before each fighter goes into the octagon he/she undergoes years of intensive training/body conditioning (just like any other athlete). Every fight is strategically planned (think chess players that have to visualize their next move as well as their opponent's) How about boxing? Why is boxing legal? What about hockey? Hockey players beat each other with their sticks...yet it's legal..NY even has a hockey team...No? Every UFC event brings in enormous revenue to the state where it's being held. Why not NEW YORK?
It's about time!!!

Actually Diane, you could say that combat between two individuals is the original sport.

The bottom line is, legalizing/sanctioning the sport in the State of NY really has no tangible downsides.

First, it can generate some badly needed tax-revenue. Las Vegas for years has been THE place to hold a premier sporting event, and what do we get in the great City of NY? Knicks games and the Rockettes? We're the Big Apple, we should have been one of the early adopters of the sport. Imagine how much 3 or 4 mega-shows a year could bring in, just with all of the extra merchandise sold, ticket fees, advertising, etc...

Second, it's already been proven to be a safer sport than most and has grown from a fledgling freak-show to a legitimate, main-stream sport that is already regulated in, I believe 44 States. How can our State be late to the party, when we're supposed to BE the party?

Third, the biggest reason anybody seems to be against allowing MMA events to be held in NY, is because it offends their personal sensibilities. Almost always, these nay-sayers base their opinions off of what the sport used to represent, rather than what it has evolved into now. I'd rather we take the next step to allow MMA not just because i'm a personal fan of the sport, but because it should help with our budget issues, and the sport is already available in 90% of the country, why not us?

MMA has been under fire ever since its implementation in the early 90s. At that time, organizations like the UFC did not treat the sport with the seriousness and legitimacy that it deserved. There were no rules and often the "sport" appeared bloody and downright disturbing to watch. Since that time, MMA has become more focused as the rules have changed to make the sport of mixed martial arts more appropriate for modern audiences to watch. Organizations like the UFC as well as Strikeforce have rules in place that protect fighters from getting seriously injured (Boxing, on the other hand, while having rules in place as well, results in more serious injuries as these fights tend to go longer). There is no doubt that MMA is a respected sport. It is time the highly progressive state New York get on the bandwagon.

mma is the sport of the future, i was a fan of it when it first came on the scene. i remain a fan of this sport now, it has evolved with time and has gotten only better with age! mma's legalization in ny is long overdue and these great fighters deserve the chance to perform in the highest stage possible: New York City!

If NY can hold boxing it can certainly hold the UFC! MMA is safer than boxing and clearly more entertaining. Its one of the most popular sports in the world today and the time has come to finally come to NY.

MMA is a very athletic sport it should be legalized pronto. It is becoming one of the fastest growing sports in the world and i see no one stopping them. And why? Because it has its rules that proctect fighters from any serious injuries, take a look at UFC they have there own on site medical doctors and take care of the fighters very well. It will be a great way to get money into new york as well each year the Sport of MMA gains 100's of thousands of fans and soon it will be one of the top sports watched world wide. So why not bring it to NY i want to watch UFC in MSG !

I'm a fan of mma and i think the idea of it finally coming to ny is not only a great idea but something thats long overdue! Think of the money a UFC event will bring to ny! We're talking millions of dollars that ny can certainly use, not to mention the fans who desperately want this great sport in their home state!

I support the legalization of MMA into NY 100%. The fans of NY want it here and you can't ignore their pleas anymore! This is 2010 and its time that NY finally comes to fruition and brings MMA into its spotlight! The time is now!

MMA has earned the right to come to NY and showcase the best fighters in the world! Bring them to NY!

Our politicians, clearly, are out of touch with the needs of their constituents. As a martial artist and a martial arts instructor, MMA is bringing revenue into our schools, creating new gyms, and getting kids off the streets and training in gyms. MMA is proven to be safer than boxing due to their not being a "10 count rule". When a fighter is in danger, the ref steps in and stops it. As for the bigger picture, the revenue generated from MMA in NY could be substantial. The first hurdle has passed and I can't wait to buy my UFC seat at MSG!!!

YES !!!! MMA should be legalized in New York. Let's give our local fighters a chance to showcase their talent.

The sport of MMA has far eclipsed boxing in terms of popularity, drawing money and ratings! MMA is clearly the top combat sport in the world and it deserves the chance to come to NY showcase its fighters and events! Bringing MMA to NY will be the
best thing for NY this year, so lets make it happen.

I've been a fan of MMA for a very long time! I've seen the UFC, Pride Fighting Championships and Elite XC and I've enjoyed them all! The time has finally come for MMA to make its long overdue return to NY! People forget the UFC held an event in 1995 in Buffalo, NY. That was UFC 7. UFC events will bring nothing but money to this state in terms of taxes, license fees, tourism revenue, broadcast fees and more! Its true that not everyone is a fan of MMA, they have their opinions and thats fine. MMA is not for everyone. But don't punish those who are fans and watch this sport on a regular basis. The MMA fans have waited long enough for this opportunity for this stupid and outdated ban to be lifted and its finally here! The fans have spoken and we want MMA in NY.

I along with several friends enjoy this great sport of MMA. I also enjoy Boxing a great deal so yes I'm a fight fan! I say bring MMA to NY, its about time don't you think? Its an all win for everyone, the fans, the state of NY, the UFC organization. Everyone will benefit from this.

MMA is a good thing for NY, if MMA can be good for 44 other states like nevada, pennsylvania, massachusetts, california, florida, new jersey, texas, ohio and more. It can definitely be held in the Empire State. Bring MMA to NY! We need it and we want it!

Lets bring MMA to MSG.There are alot of MMA fighters in N.Y. and on Long Island N.Y. that would love to fight at MSG including Matt Sera.The ufc would sell out evertime it came to MSG.Think of all the money it would bring to N.Y.I hate when people say how dangerious it is when players in the NFL,NHL,Boxing,nascar ,NHRA,and PBA(professional bullriding) are getting hurt alot worse.They stop the fights in the UFC alot faster then they do in boxing.A fighter can tap out or say he quits and the fight is stopped.Ive seen boxers get caught up against the ropes and take a much worse beating.People get killed in bullriding,nascar and nhra.I saw a driver get killed at englishtown a few years ago.Hockey players get their teeth knocked out and their jaws brocken,but all of these sports are in New York.There have been playoffs in other sports that were on the same night as the UFC.The UFC outsold the world series,NBA playoffs NHL playoffs and title fights in boxing when these sports were on the same night as the UFC.What are we waiting for ,lets bring MMA to MSG.
Thank You,
Roger Wagner

PR bots.

MMA is a sport just like the NBA,NHL,Boxing,NHRA,Nascar,or,NFL guys get hurt but they all recover they're all trained professionals at what they do. MMA has also become one of the fastest growing sports since it burst onto the scene it gives a lot of young athletes a chance to prove themselves, and like the 44 other states that have legalized this revolutionary sport of MMA NY can also benefit from the profits and publicity MMA would bring.

Why is it that the so called "BIG APPLE" the so called center of the universe where "everything happens" and " THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS" has been asleep at the wheel on this and many other issues.The rest of the country already has embraced MIXED MARTIAL ARTS, MOTORSPORTS VENUES,and the push to legalize marijuana. CALIFORNIA has embraced all these and more, why is it that NEW YORK is always so far behind?? I will tell you. New York has too many lawyers( red tape), only cares about "REVENUE", people here are stubborn,self centered, and elitist in their attitudes towards others ideas that don't fit in with what they know and understand. People of NEW YORK and especially politicians ie: lawyers need to wake up and join the other 95% of the country.

Why would you restrict the tax revenue in a time when the state cannot pass a budget without an end around by the governor...

Take the money, keep the people happy.

As an New Yorker and a strong love of MMA I proudly endorse MMA to be part of New York !!!!!

If Diane and Sarah were in the Assembly, Boxing would be illegal too. As explained by multiple people in this page, there are plenty of sports that are brutal and have multiple injuries per event, especially in hockey. They are actually punching each other in the face with no gloves, and hockey has been in ny for years. Boxing has had many many deaths in its history, and MMA has a very high safety rating. The officials in the sport are top notch, and very professional. Too many people would prefer this sport legal rather than banned. NY is behind when it comes to the sport of MMA, and the benefits of holding events there. Every city that holds a UFC event sells out very quickly, and make tons of money for the city and especially tourism. Around 2000 people alone were at the Radio City Music Hall to see UFC 111 on a 70 foot screen, and nearly 40% percent of the people who were from NY were at the Newark, NJ event (along with mass media coverage). The positives of holding MMA in NY is overwhelming and the people cannot stress enough how much they want this amazing sport in Madison Square Garden. There's too much revenue to be made, and the movement of this sport cannot be denied. Children as young as 6-7 years old are learning Mixed Martial Arts at a very young age, and the athleticism is increasing daily. Mixed Martial Artists are Olympic caliber, and are surely not bar room brawlers nor uneducated folks. Most of them have college degrees, and had careers ranging from Engineers to High School Teachers. They just happened to be skilled in Martial arts.

There is way too much to be said on the upside to legalizing MMA or the sport as a whole. Millions of people around the world are embracing the beauty of the sport, and are learning multiple disciplines themselves, such as: Boxing, Kickboxing, Judo, Ju-jitsu, Wrestling, Karate, Muay Thai, etc. And the popularity is increasing everyday. Just this week, there were 4 televised MMA events with world-class athletes. There is such a high demand for it, that we get to see this every week, and people still want more. The people of NY deserve to have this sport in their city so they may find entertainment and also benefit economically from it. As soon as there is an event in MSG or Yankee Stadium, we will have people from all over the world who will travel to watch the event. Hotels, Transportation, Tolls, Restaurants, etc, will all benefit from these tourists who will spend top dollar to enjoy the event and the fruits of the city. Let's finally get the ball rolling and bring this great sport to the most well-known city in the world.

MMA should be legal in NY because it would generate billions of dollars for the state. We also have to think about the fighters, this is what they do for a living and how they make money. We all have to find a way to put a plate of food on the table and this is how they do it. Some may call it barbaric and not a sport but in fact Mixed Martial Arts is a physical and mental test. These fighters are all well trained and they fight respectfully. They are not just two random guys picked up off the streets and put to fight for money. Please legalize MMA in NY.

MMA has an incredible safety record with no record deaths in any sanctioned fights. Boxing has had multiple deaths this year already. One occurred just while training. There is no reason to avoid legalizing MMA.

MMA is safer than boxing and its track record of no serious injuries and no deaths prove that! MMA has proven to be very lucrative for every avenue that it plays in. Its time for it to come to NY, its been 13 years in the making! MMA would do wonders in NY!

I along with my brothers, cousins and friends are big fans of MMA and we always talk about the possibility of it coming to NY and now the opportunity is here! Let's not waste this golden opportunity for the state not only to make money but also for the fans to watch this event live possibly at MSG! Let's bring MMA to NY!

This is 2010, the opportunity to bring MMA to NY is here and now! Its long overdue. This stupid ban is doing more harm than good as its costing the state millions of dollars but not allowing the fans to see it live in one of NY's big arenas. MMA is the true combat sport in the world and it deserves to be in NY. Let's bring it on!

I ENJOY THE SPORT OF MMA A GREAT DEAL AND IF MMA IS RECOGNIZED BY ESPN AND SPORTS ILLUSTRATED AS A TRUE AND LEGIT SPORT THAN IT CAN DEFINITELY COME TO NY! NY NEEDS MMA BECAUSE MMA EVENTS WILL BRING MONEY AND TONS OF IT. MMA EVENTS ARE ADVERTISED ALL OVER TIMES SQUARE BILLBOARDS, DON'T YOU THINK ITS TIME FOR MMA TO FINALLY COME TO NY? I DO. I SAY MMA IS A GOOD THING FOR NY AND LET'S WELCOME IT WITH OPEN ARMS.

I think MMA is a good thing for NY, I along with several friends who watch and enjoy this great sport think its a matter of time before it finally comes to NY! It will draw money to this state that needs money right now! MMA wants to be in NY and NY needs MMA! So let's stop playing around and bring MMA to MSG.

I THINK MMA IS AN AWESOME SPORT AND DESERVES THE CHANCE TO COME NY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS OF BEING BANNED. THIS BAN IS UNNECESSARY AND OUTDATED. MMA IS THE MOST POPULAR SPORT IN THE WORLD AND MMA DESERVES TO BE IN NY. ITS LONG OVERDUE AND MMA WILL BE SO BENEFICIAL TO THE STATE OF NY IN TERMS OF MONEY AND EXPOSURE. BRING MMA TO NY NOW!

I, along with several family members and friends watch and enjoy this sport a great deal. We get together for all big fights in terms of boxing and mma. MMA is always showcasing big events every month with different fighters and bigger cards. MMA needs to be in NY, its only fair and the time has arrived. MMA and NY need each other.

A UFC event would do huge business and make millions of dollars for this state. An event at Madison Square Garden which I've been to numerous times for pro wrestling would be even bigger! A UFC event at the New Yankee Stadium would also draw huge money and sell out. So bring MMA to NY!

MMA has far exceeded boxing in terms of PPV buys, popularity, sell out crowds and TV ratings! There's no question that MMA is the premier combat sport in the world! MMA is also no longer the no holds barred spectacle it once was when it first came about in the early 90's. Its a mainstream and recognized sport that has a huge following all over the world! Its only fitting and fair that MMA finally comes to NY. So bring MMA to NY.

I'm a fan of MMA and I along with countless MMA fans here in NY want this sport in NY. MMA events draw money everywhere so why can't NY enjoy the financial perks that MMA brings to table? NY needs money and what better time than now to legalize this sport and make the fans happy by bringing MMA to NY.

mma in ny is way past due! it needs to come to ny and ny needs to host this sport. ny is in desperate need of money and its economy is weak. mma's popularity is sky-high and it draws money wherever it goes! mma is legal in over 40 states, that should tell the state legislator that its not only a real and legitimate sport, but also makes money for these states. i want to see mma in ny.

As a lifelong sports fan, i think the legalization of mma here in ny is a great thing. MMA should be in ny and the fans of this sport will be happy and excited! I support MMA coming to ny 100%.

BRING MMA TO NY!

Its time that MMA finally comes to NY, its a long time coming! It will bring money to ny and the fans will be happy!