Dana White made one last plea for the legalization of MMA in New York with an op-ed piece in today’s New York Daily News. While White hopes for a full NY Assembly vote, the current bill to legalize MMA is not expected to be passed.
White argued to overturn the ban in the New York Daily News:
It’s long past time to overturn that prohibition. It’s a safe and respectable sport that’s every bit as legitimate as boxing or professional football.
White stressed how different the sport has become since it was banned in the 1990s. He also addressed the issue of concussions – a topic that is becoming increasingly important when discussing safety in other sports such as football. In addition, he stressed the economic benefit the sport would have on New York.
One thing that the op-ed did not touch on that the Fight Lawyer picked up on was that there are unsanctioned, underground fights occurring in New York and legalizing MMA could curb these type of bouts. ESPN had a piece on this not too long ago.
Payout Perspective:
White’s op-ed piece is a nice bit of public relations for the UFC. It was plainspoken and laid out the arguments for the legalization of the sport. It did not point fingers or badmouth any person or group for blocking the legalization of MMA. Other commissioners of sports leagues (e.g., Roger Goodell) have used op-eds to get their points across about issues in their respective sports. This shows that the UFC is strategizing like a mainstream sports league. While the MMA bill may not go through this legislative session in New York, it is laying groundwork for its eventual passage.
i disagree…sounds like desperation for Dana…face it UFC wont be sanctioned in new york because its owned by anti union Fertita brothers….and Dana’s arrogant tone on new york dosent help…now this? what is a passive aggressive? or manic depressive lol…….