New York. Madison Square Garden. “The Mecca.” The mixed martial arts world has been focused on the trials and tribulations of the sport’s regulation in the state for several years.
UFC president Dana White has stated that the organization already has a deal in place to stage an event in Madison Square Garden when the sport is regulated in the state.
The political fight to get the sport regulated has gone on for far too long. The Zuffa lobbyists have laid out the economical impact that their brand would bring to the city and state, but still nothing. The sport does not need New York. It would simply be a luxury to have.
The landscape of sports has grown along with the rest of the world. Mass media has shifted the balance of power. It is not as if MMA is banned from the New York media. They have utilized it to great effect already.
Seeing a massive advertisement in Times Square is not a novel occurrence anymore. Fighter appearances in the city are not either.
It is the power of the New York media which is what the sport needs and are receiving. Running a show in the state would merely be a bonus.
The idea that Madison Square Garden is “The Mecca” is an antiquated notion. It no longer is. It is a historic sports venue, no doubt, but ask any casual fan if it holds any significance to them and you will likely hear that it does not.
The thought that the sport needs the state of New York is simply wrong.
Other cities such as Toronto, Rio de Janeiro and the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, are the apples of the MMA eye. Even boxing has avoided bringing the cream of the crop to MSG in recent years.
In the past decade, what was the highest profile fight to grace the venue? Trinidad vs. Mayorga or Calzaghe vs. Jones, Jr.? Not exactly the sport’s premiere events.
The Garden is no longer “The Mecca” and it should not be called that anymore. It has lost its significance to fans and combat sports. It is expected that the big fights be held in Las Vegas or a stadium such as Cowboys Stadium.
The sport is already reaping the benefits of the mainstream media. There is no reason to believe that New York is a necessity. The UFC has many different avenues to take their product to, around the globe, that would garner major attention.
The paradigm that once was has shifted. It is no secret.
At one point, the championship fights in any combat sport would be targeting New York and Madison Square Garden as the venue for the high-profile fight. But that point was prior to the 1980s. Now it is expected that those fights take place in Sin City. It is time to quit placing The Big Apple on a pedestal.
When the sport becomes regulated in the state the UFC will put on a major card for the first event in MSG. It will do great numbers. But like the other major markets that were opened up for the organization, do not expect frequent trips back with the same cards.
It is not a necessity anymore. It is no longer “The Mecca.” New York is just another state.
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