If you haven’t heard the news lately, the Mixed Martial Arts community is desperately trying to get the quickly growing sport sanctioned in New York State.
MMA is legally sanctioned in 45 out of 48 of our great states that have athletic commissions, but still remains completely banned in the state of New York.
UFC President, Dana White has been the biggest advocate for the sport since he stepped onto the scene in 2001, when Zuffa, LLC purchased what is now the largest MMA promotion in the world.
While he may be the most active, White is not the only one pressing for change. We have also been hearing from the voices of the fighters themselves, the latest of which is none-other than native New Yorker and UFC light heavyweight champion, Jonny “Bones” Jones.
A letter written by Jones to the people of the United States went out in the MMAFacts.com newsletter today, urging us to take action now as there are only five days left before the legislative session ends.
Hi everyone,
Thanks to everyone who came out or watched me win the light heavyweight championship at UFC 128 in Newark! It was truly an honor and NY MMA fans are always incredible.
But as great as New Jersey was to visit, I wish I could compete in front of my friends and family in my home state of New York! Fighting in MSG would be a dream – it would be a feeling of making it. That’s why I need your help.
The New York State Senate has already passed the bill sanctioning MMA and the NYS Assembly passed it through the Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Committee, so we’re halfway there. I’ve been to Albany myself to talk to legislators, but I know that’s not enough. Elected officials need to know that their constituents want this bill passed. That’s where you come in.
Please call your Assemblyman or Assemblywoman by clicking here, and ask your friends to do the same.
If we can help push the bill through the Assembly, we’ll finally be able to watch fights in Madison Square Garden, my hometown of Rochester, and across this great state!
With only five days left before session ends, your calls are more important than ever. It only take a minute, we can do this!
Sincerely,
Jon
If you’re not a resident of New York, but would still like your voice to be heard, click here to sign the petition.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com