Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA has become one of the preeminent forms of combat sports in the world alongside boxing. It’s rise to popularity in the past 15 years can mostly be attributed to the UFC, the sport’s most popular organization. Though the UFC in particular has been able to earn hundreds of millions annually, it had previously spent 19 years being banned in the state of New York.
With the popularity (and pot of money) associated with MMA continuing to grow, New York state lawmakers passed a bill that lifted the ban, now allowing legally sanctioned bouts to take place in the Empire State. Surely, UFC President Dana White is elated by the news, but some lawmakers were very unhappy.
Prior to the passing of the bill, members of the New York State Assembly pled their case as to why the sport should be legalized and others as to why it should not. Of those opposing it, some assembly members went as far as to compare MMA to slavery and gay porn.
NY Assembly member Charles Barron likened MMA to a time when slaves were “thrown in a cage” and forced to fight. pic.twitter.com/YrzkItUwtD
— FIGHTLAND (@FIGHTLAND) March 22, 2016
Assem Danny O’Donnell: MMA is two naked men rolling around trying to force the other into submission, like gay porn. pic.twitter.com/yO18MW5EaB
— Dan Levy (@dlevywnyt) March 22, 2016
Assembly Charles Barron: MMA is too barbaric. It should be banned. This goes too far for your entertainment. pic.twitter.com/91mf782dQ6
— Dan Levy (@dlevywnyt) March 22, 2016
Assembly woman Ellen Jaffe (D-Suffern: MMA has no place in civilized society. Debate underway in assembly chamber. pic.twitter.com/SjlwzA1n4F
— Dan Levy (@dlevywnyt) March 22, 2016
All of their statements fell short, as MMA is now legal in New York, but at least we now know how some people really feel. Sheesh.
