That's interesting -- thanks for sharing that. However, I have no idea what these people at the water cooler base their theory on. Have they watched UFC matches?? Nearly all the big UFC stars are minorities... Just look at last night's fight-card for instance. In fact, it's probably the most racially diverse sport organization ever.

One other item of note:

Assemblyman Reilly often references a 'poll' he commissioned in 2009, which he claimed indicated New Yorkers do not support MMA's legalization:

"The poll found overwhelming opposition to making Mixed Martial Arts legal in New York State. Of those surveyed, 67 percent said they opposed making MMA legal in New York. Just 18 percent said they supported making ultimate fighting legal. I believe my district is reflective of the state as a whole and am confident a statewide poll would yield similar results."

Of the 8,545 people who were contacted via telephone, only 468 responded. (Hardly a 'sample'). Moreover, the question itself was biased, in that it was prefaced by noting the sport was "banned":

"Ultimate fighting, or mixed martial arts, is currently banned in New York State. There is current debate whether ultimate fighting should be permitted statewide. Do you think ultimate fighting matches should be allowed in New York State? Press 1 for yes, press 2 for no, press 3 for undecided."

But here's what is most disturbing:

"The public relations firm that ran Reilly’s privately funded poll in 2009 that showed a majority of New Yorkers didn’t want MMA in their state was actually run by a group that also works for the Culinary Union. Gramercy Communications was the company that was funded by Reilly to handle the polling. Coincidentally, Gramercy Communications was founded by Tom Nardacci. Nardacci was the former communications manager for 1199 SEIU. Now the SEIU is one of the most powerful unions in the United States as they represent factions of employees from the health care industry, public services and property services (which include food service workers like those covered in the Culinary Union)."

I understand why you may have been put-off by that but the fact is Reid supports MMA and, indeed, has tried to help legalize it in NY. So that's why Dana White & Chuck Lidell likely through their support behind him. From a businessman's standpoint, it makes perfect sense.

Thanks for clarifying -- i see what you mean. (And thanks for the compliment about my writing!)

Yes, you are absolutely correct that Republicans have also opposed MMA -- most notably, John McCain, who foolishly called it 'human cockfighting'. The thing is, McCain's opposition was 15 years ago. Guiliani's was likely around the same time. This was before the Fertittas/White bought the UFC and really cleaned it up, added further regulations, rules. Nowadays, it has broad bipartisan support (who doesn't want extra revenue coming into the state?!) The problem is, the opponents tend to be Dems (as illustrated in this article). Why is that? Because Dems are, obviously, the union-friendly party so, on this matter, it seems the unions have found heavy support among some Dems.

Also, overall, the liberal elite tends to turn its nose up at MMA. Check out the National Review article I wrote (it's linked to inside this article). Did you know that, when Entertainment Weekly polled conservatives and liberals regarding what their favorite and least favorite shows were, one of the liberals' LEAST favorite shows was the UFC reality show??

But, overall, I agree with you -- this is more of a union bosses vs. personal freedom/economic state interests issue... rather than Dem or Rep.

What is your point??

No worries! I'm a good sport about ! Appreciate all the kind words ... and appreciate everyone on here who's contributing their thoughts and helping to spread awareness about the matter!

Fantastic point! http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Sec...

No, it's actually my sister and my brother-in-law who got me into UFC!

And what most interests me about it is the liberty/freedom arguments in favor of it, the fact that UFC isn't unionized, the fact that there are so many conservative fighters. I personally know of individuals even who stopped doing drugs and straightened out their lives after getting into MMA.

Then, when I read about what the unions were doing, it just left me speechless.

Thanks for spreading awareness!

Excellent points, John!

Ha! I'm thumbing it UP! Thank you and thanks for reading! :) Please be sure to spread awareness about what the unions have done !