http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/01/2...s-arrest-on-corruption-charges.html?referrer= Federal authorities are expected to arrest Sheldon Silver, the powerful speaker of the New York State Assembly, on corruption charges on Thursday, people with knowledge of the matter said. The case is likely to throw Albany into disarray at the beginning of a new session. Update: Silver has in fact been arrested.
Silver has repeatedly refused to allow MMA regulation in NY State go to vote, citing a lack of support. If it was allowed to go to a Yes or No vote in the NY State Assembly the prevailing perception is that it would pass easily.
I believe the UFC supported Andrew Cuomo's reelection campaign in an effort to help get regulation tabled but it didn't get them anywhere.
at this point... how much does it really matter if MMA is allowed in NY.. I mean it's not like boxing is thriving because they can put on fights in NYC. It would only give a big lift for one or two PPV events and then it'd settle down and just be another location to host fights.
The issue, beyond the UFC's petty squabble with the CWU, is that MMA is going on in NY State right now and it is unregulated meaning there is little or no protection for the athletes. Having the Boxing Commission on board means having ringside doctors, qualified judges and referees, etc. Beyond what the UFC can do to bring revenue to cities like Manhattan and Buffalo, it is a fighter safety issue as well.
I'd just call that natural selection. If you're too dumb to drive over the river to New Jersey or go south to PA or any other state that sanctions MMA, then you kinda get what you deserve. Any financial benefits the UFC brings to NY cities means little for the growth of the sport though
