Home
News
Article
Click the 'Like' button to become a fan of UFC!

No, Thank You

UFC Urges Gov. Cuomo & ESDC to Bring MMA to New York

October 10, 2012
Article
Comments ()
UFC Urges Gov. Cuomo & ESDC to Bring the Fastest Growing Sport in the World to New York
In light of press reports that Governor Cuomo is planning to create a new sports division within the Empire State Development Corporation, The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) today urged the Governor and ESDC to fight for making professional mixed martial arts (MMA) legal in New York and bring the fastest growing sport in the world to the Empire State.

 

“High profile sporting events create tourism, revenue and jobs.  So we applaud Governor Cuomo for seeking to increase professional and amateur sporting events across the state. We urge the Governor and his team to help bring professional MMA to New York.  The time has come for the merger of the UFC’s worldwide brand with the iconic I♥NY brand,” UFC Chairman & CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said. 

 

“New York is one of only two states that does not allow professional MMA events.  Yet, millions of New Yorkers watch the UFC on Fox and other networks, buy our pay-per-view events, travel out of state to see our events, attend and follow the growing number of amateur MMA events in New York, play our video games, and read about UFC and our fighters in their local newspapers,” Fertitta said.  “There are hundreds of MMA schools and training facilities across the state.  New Yorkers are helping to make MMA the fastest growing sport in history – both in fans and in participants. 

 

“It’s time to let New York MMA fans attend UFC events in New York City, on Long Island, in the Hudson Valley, in the Capital Region, in the North Country, in the Mohawk Valley, in Central New York, in the Southern Tier, in the Finger Lakes Region, and in Western New York,” Fertitta said.  “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  The UFC has contributed to economic development and job creation in communities across the country and around the world and we are eager to bring that kind of economic development and sports excitement to communities across New York.”

 

Bob Belber, SMG General Manager of Times Union Center in Albany, NY states "We are in full support of the legalization of MMA in New York.  The Times Union Center looks forward to being able to host multiple sell out UFC events in the Capital Region.  These events can potentially bring an additional $9 million - $12 million dollars in economic impact to the area.  UFC has a tremendous fan base in the Albany area and SMG and The Times Union Center are eager to give the fans what they want."

 

The New York State Senate has passed a bill to legalize professional MMA in New York for the last three years.  The bill has not been voted upon by the Assembly.  

 

“New York is home to two major league and nearly a dozen minor league baseball teams, three NFL teams, two NBA teams, three, NHL teams and scores of other professional sports franchises.  New York is home to some of the best arenas and stadiums in the nation, including the world’s most famous stadium, the nation’s most famous arena, and the newest premiere arena venue in America,” Fertitta said.  “New York should also be home to regularly scheduled UFC and other MMA events so it can create new jobs, bring in new revenue, and reclaim its title of being the sports capital of the world.”

Comments

Related Topics

Related News

Sunday, July 7
12:00 PM
AEST
Las Vegas, Nevada
Buy Tickets
How to Watch

Media

Recent
In 2008, middleweight champion Anderson Silva moved up in weight to 205 to see if his power would still be a threat at light heavyweight. It was.
In 2008, middleweight champion Anderson Silva moved up in weight to 205 to see if his power would still be a threat at light heavyweight. It was.
18/06/2013
Every fighter has weak points and every fighter makes mistakes. On July 6, Anderson Silva plans to be the one who's shored up his weak points and capitalizes on Chris Weidman's mistakes.
Every fighter has weak points and every fighter makes mistakes. On July 6, Anderson Silva plans to be the one who's shored up his weak points and capitalizes on Chris Weidman's mistakes.
17/06/2013
From block party to prelims to post-main event, get an all-access look at Winnipeg's first-ever UFC event.
From block party to prelims to post-main event, get an all-access look at Winnipeg's first-ever UFC event.
17/06/2013
In just his second fight inside the Octagon, Anderson Silva challenged Rich Franklin for the UFC middleweight crown. watch the fight here - for free!
In just his second fight inside the Octagon, Anderson Silva challenged Rich Franklin for the UFC middleweight crown. watch the fight here - for free!
17/06/2013
N. Diaz vs. R. Lawler, N. Diaz vs. K. Oishi, and D. Sanchez vs. B. Gassaway are featured in this episode of UFC Unleashed.
N. Diaz vs. R. Lawler, N. Diaz vs. K. Oishi, and D. Sanchez vs. B. Gassaway are featured in this episode of UFC Unleashed.
31/10/2005
Former champions Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson will bring their full arsenals, power and motivation to fight one another at UFC 161. Plus, heavyweight Roy Nelson looks for recognition with a win over Stipe Miocic.
Former champions Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson will bring their full arsenals, power and motivation to fight one another at UFC 161. Plus, heavyweight Roy Nelson looks for recognition with a win over Stipe Miocic.
07/06/2013
Fans from around the world gathered in Las Vegas to watch the rematch between Mexican-American champion Cain Velasquez and Brazilian Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva. Get an all-access look at the big night at the MGM Grand.
Fans from around the world gathered in Las Vegas to watch the rematch between Mexican-American champion Cain Velasquez and Brazilian Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva. Get an all-access look at the big night at the MGM Grand.
26/05/2013
See some of the fastest fight finishes in UFC history!
See some of the fastest fight finishes in UFC history!
21/07/2011