In the Op-Ed, Dana White states that MMA is a "safe and respectable" sport that he argues is "every bit as legitimate as boxing or professional football." He includes this necessary disclaimer:
I won't pretend to be objective. I run the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the single most popular MMA promotion company. While I think that our fans here in New York and the city would profit immensely from legalization, it will also certainly affect my bottom line.
The piece tackles safety issues and, of course, the financials. Notably missing is any discussion of the underground fights that are currently taking place in the state and how legalization could help curb the unregulated bouts.
Bottom line, additional (positive) attention to the issue is a good thing. That said, Assembly Speaker Silver basically indicated last week that the bill will die again in committee this year. Roma Locuta Est, Causa Finita Est.
Fight Lawyer
