State's UFC Ban Enters New Round Of Debate
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Fans of mixed martial arts -- also known as ultimate fighting -- are gearing up for a big battle in New York. But instead of duking it out in a steel cage they're going to be sparring in the political arena, as they try and legalize the controversial sport in New York. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report.They call themselves ultimate fighters. But do these tough guys have what it takes to win in Albany and legalize the sport in the Empire State?
"I think we are right there in New York now. We are ready to make it happen," said Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White.
UFC, a mixed martial arts league, is legal in 44 states, but New York is not one of them. White and others gathered at Madison Square Garden on Thursday to make it clear they are working hard to change that.
"Listen, this is New York City and Madison Square Garden. Obviously we want to be here. Absolutely. And we are committed to getting this thing done and educating everyone who needs to be educated to get this done," White said.
Governor George Pataki outlawed the sport in 1997. But overturning that ban has become a hot topic of debate in the state capital. Governor David Paterson proposed legalizing ultimate fighting as a way to raise money for the cash-strapped state. A bill to do just that was approved in the State Senate last year, but has failed to gain traction in the State Assembly. Critics charge that the sport is too violent.
"The question is to what extent does violence permeating our society cause a proclivity for people in our society to commit violent acts? I believe it does. I believe violence begets violence," said State Assemblyman Bob Reilly of Albany.
The sport has its fans, but overall, New Yorkers say they are just fine with keeping it out of the state. A Marist Poll conducted in January of last year found that 68 percent of voters don't want ultimate fighting legalized in New York.
Supporters of mixed martial arts say legalizing it would create 212 jobs in New York and generate $23 million in economic activity for the state. But it is only projected to generate $1.3 million annually in state revenues -- a drop in the bucket when it comes to closing a $9 billion budget gap.
A spokesman for Governor Andrew Cuomo says the governor has not taken a position on the issue.