Dana White did not hold out hope for the passage of a bill to legalize MMA in the state of New York this year. At the UFC 173 post-fight press conference, White stated he had “No hopes” and “No aspirations” on the possibility that the bill would be passed, let alone come to a vote this year.
“It will be whatever it is,” White told a reporter asking about the New York issue. While he stated that MMA has “tons of support” in Albany, it appeared as though he has soured by the fact that Sheldon Silver has not brought the bill to a vote. While the bill passed the state Senate this year, the obstacle of a vote in the state Assembly has been the problem.
Via MMA Fighting and UFC (go to 14:36 for New York talk):
UPDATE: We have updated the video which is White’s post-fight scrum and not the press conference.
There is also talk about the scary health issues that is happening in New York due to unsanctioned bouts. The question was based on Jim Genia’s excellent Deadspin piece crystalizing the reasons why MMA should be regulated in New York State.
Payout Perspective:
This may not be shocking to most for those that have followed the fight for MMA in New York. Obviously, the Culinary Union has been a thorn in the side of Zuffa’s efforts in trying to get MMA legalized in New York. White also seems to place blame with Sheldon Silver for not bringing the bill to a vote before the Assembly. Does White have some information we do not know, or is he just setting expectations for what may be confirmed next month – no vote and no MMA in New York again?
Can you blame new york? Who would want their city to be filled with either Unemployed blacks or skinheads. It’s harsh but these 2 types of people make the majority of the MMA audience.
I hear June and 7th Cotto-Martinez will draw 20,000+ at Madison Square Garden and hit 500,000 PPV buys.
New York brings the money for boxing.
I said that 2 years ago I could have saved the UFC millions in legal bills! ass clowns! What idiots
Samantha, has the mental capacity of a field mouse.
Scumbag unions and their despicable Dem friends delaying the inevitable once more.
UFC fans are far from unemployed blacks and skin heads, thats just plain ignorant to say. UFC would be a great show to see at the Garden, keep in mind any show at MSG has to completely sell out to see any profit. Thats just the way it is. Also their are like 15 unions to deal with. I see their point to want to be in NY, you cant call yourself anything but second rate until you play or fight at MSG.
Sampson the super troll