Thursday, June 2, 2016

Don't Fear New York's New MMA Law, Only Fear Its Interpretation

NEW YORK



As written, the New Combative Sports Law provides all the tools to curb dangerous, unsanctioned fighting events, as well as allow combative sports to flourish in the state. That does, of course, mean drastic change for a scene that has grown dramatically in recent years, and the prospect of change has many New Yorkers afraid. Will amateur MMA, kickboxing and martial arts die? Will the UFC be the only organization able to afford the million-dollar insurance policy required for a pro event? Is boxing doomed? These are all valid questions, but they have nothing to do with the new law and everything to do with the agencies tasked with enforcing it. Really, the only concern anyone should have right now is how the statute will be interpreted by the New York Department of State and Athletic Commission.