The NY Post reported this week that the UFC’s parent company, Zuffa, contributed $74,600 to the campaign of NY Gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo (D). Zuffa has not contributed to the campaign of Carl Paladino (R).
Zuffa has sought to tap into the New York market but has met stiff, vocal opposition from NY politician Bob Reilly.
Payout Perspective:
Although Cuomo has not stated his position on the legalization of MMA in New York State we can safely assume that he is willing to entertain the thought of it.
We should not be surprised that Zuffa is seeking out influencers to legalize MMA in New York. I am sure that Zuffa lobbyists have been in touch with representatives for Cuomo and Paladino to gage their interest in legalizing MMA. We can assume, at this point, that Paladino is not as receptive to MMA as Cuomo. This issue is not a cut and dry Democrat/Republican issue. Bob Reilly, MMA’s biggest opponent in New York is a Democrat.
I do not believe Zuffa cares what political party Cuomo/Paladino belong to, just whether they would side with Zuffa or not. I’m not an insider on NY politics, but we can see that there is a struggle amongst the Democratic party forthis particular issue. Previous reports indicate Governor Paterson is in favor of MMA in NY. But, Reilly is not. Cuomo has not stated a position, but if he decides he is in favor of a bill legalizing MMA, he will need to negotiate a stand down with Reilly so that a bill may get through to at least a vote.
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