NYC’s Underground Combat League Exposed – Good or Bad?

Props to MiddleEasy for finding this min-documentary on New York City’s Underground Combat League.  The video, which supposedly takes place at Fighthouse Gym, showcases fighters in pro-rules bouts, for nothing but pride and love of MMA.  While the state of New York continues it’s ban of Mixed Martial Arts, leagues like this are popping up to quench the primal thirst of the residents.  Not only do they want to fight, but as they say in the video, they want it to be “real”.

Some people find these league acceptable and needed, as we wait for judgment day from the political hard-asses, but is it really going to get a bill passed?  Are politicians going to see a film about unregulated, unsanctioned, and unprotected fighters (meaning no medical staff or health screenings) and think the state needs MMA?

Personally, I think that leagues and videos like this are going to damage the credibility of the sport, as well as the crusade of legalization.  The state needs to have a sanctioned amateur and professional system in place for wellness and monetary benefits.  The economic boost and jobs leagues would create can help in an economic crisis.  Local fighters without the means to travel can fight at home, and make money, all in legitimate and regulated settings.

The way to show mixed martial arts has evolved into full legitimacy is to show politicians the sport at the highest (and safest!) level.  We know they’re all about the potential in-house revenue and how much they can fill their “I Love NY” pockets, so that is where the legalization will eventually come from.  Make the state richer, plain and simple, but also show them it’s not medieval times.

Showing citizens of the state breaking the law, with little experience and no care for safety, is going to do nothing but aid the negative views.  The makers of the documentary are not at fault, but rather people like Peter Storm.

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