Why New York Needs the UFC More Than the UFC Needs New York

The sky is the limit for mixed martial arts in America.

The sport has ridden massive amounts of success from various promoters over the past 10 years that it seems silly not to label it as the fastest growing sport in the world.

And with all of this success comes a direct beneficiary.  That revenue reaper is known as the UFC.  The UFC has transformed MMA in America as an outlawed barbaric display of inhuman acts to one of the most popular entities around.

Due in part to the efforts from president Dana White and top-notch fighters willing to put their bodies on the line for a paycheck, the UFC has capitalized on the American media forefront.  This includes but has not been limited to reality shows, free live events, Facebook integration and successful video games. 

By forging a name alongside big sports enterprises like the NFL, NBA, MLB and college sports, the UFC has done the unthinkable.  They've adapted to the times, made the sport more recognizable to uneducated fans, changed the rules to adhere to state laws, banned fighters for illegal substance abuse, paid top athletes millions of dollars and have done all of this while keeping the same motto, "As good as it gets."

But even alongside all of these accomplishments throughout the country and overseas, somewhere along the line, New York has not gotten the memo that MMA kicks ass. 

Arguably the mecca for entertainment in America, New York has consistently dabbled with nearly every sport available.  Its hands have been in nearly every pie.  Football, baseball, basketball, hockey, boxing, soccer and tennis.  These sports have been encapsulated by the state, more specifically New York City, making them more popular and highly profitable.

So why not MMA?  Why not the UFC? 

Honestly, it's only inevitable that New York legalizes MMA and realizes what all the fuss is about.  But for now, when the UFC sells out nearly every event they hold, New York continues to idly stand by and let other revenues reap the benefits of a glorious sport.

The problem for me, as it is for most UFC fans nationwide, is that I find it extremely difficult to ponder the reasons why a liberal city like New York would completely turn the page on MMA. 

Is it because the city has an undying love for boxing?  Is it because top fighters compete all over the world so consistent PPV blockbusters at Madison Square Garden wouldn't be guaranteed?

Whatever it is, New York needs to open its eyes.  Nearly every party involved, including the UFC, fighters, fans, promoters and big-time venues are itching for the opportunity to get a fast and concise sanction for the sport in the state. 

So why have legislatures dismissed this inevitability for this long?  Why have they banned a "barbaric" sport from showcasing its entertainment value while promoting a more dangerous enterprise in boxing?

It seems childish to put this off any longer.  New York needs the UFC, not the other way around.  It's as simple as that.  With other states like Nevada, California and Georgia already reaching deep into the cookie jar, America's center for sports entertainment has isolated itself from a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Increased revenue, jobs, merchandising, media sales, promotions and more all wait around the corner for the day when New York State legalizes MMA and gets with the evolving times.

Food for thought: Jon Jones recently said in an interview (via The Star-Gazette) regarding the distant possibility that his upcoming fight with Rashad Evans for the UFC light heavyweight title could be held in Madison Square Garden that, "This fight is just as big as any Yankees game, any Jets game, any Giants game."

Jones went on to add, “I’m just wondering when New York is going to open their eyes and realize what we’re missing out on.”

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