Coalition to Legalize MMA in NY founder Stephen Koepfer sits in on episode 18 of the HIYAA! Martial Arts Podcast to talk about the current state of the battle for regulated professional MMA in NY, the state of amateur MMA in NY and elsewhere, and women's MMA.
Listen to the HIYAA Podcast here or subscribe on iTunes!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
UFC Urges Cuomo & ESDC to support MMA
An October 10, 2012 press release from the UFC:
UFC Urges Gov. Cuomo & ESDC to Bring the Fastest Growing Sport in the World to New York
In light of press reports that Governor Cuomo is planning to create a new sports division within the Empire State Development Corporation, The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) today urged the Governor and ESDC to fight for making professional mixed martial arts (MMA) legal in New York and bring the fastest growing sport in the world to the Empire State.
“High profile sporting events create tourism, revenue and jobs. So we applaud Governor Cuomo for seeking to increase professional and amateur sporting events across the state. We urge the Governor and his team to help bring professional MMA to New York. The time has come for the merger of the UFC’s worldwide brand with the iconic I♥NY brand,” UFC Chairman & CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said.
“New York is one of only two states that does not allow professional MMA events. Yet, millions of New Yorkers watch the UFC on Fox and other networks, buy our pay-per-view events, travel out of state to see our events, attend and follow the growing number of amateur MMA events in New York, play our video games, and read about UFC and our fighters in their local newspapers,” Fertitta said. “There are hundreds of MMA schools and training facilities across the state. New Yorkers are helping to make MMA the fastest growing sport in history – both in fans and in participants.
“It’s time to let New York MMA fans attend UFC events in New York City, on Long Island, in the Hudson Valley, in the Capital Region, in the North Country, in the Mohawk Valley, in Central New York, in the Southern Tier, in the Finger Lakes Region, and in Western New York,” Fertitta said. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. The UFC has contributed to economic development and job creation in communities across the country and around the world and we are eager to bring that kind of economic development and sports excitement to communities across New York.”
The New York State Senate has passed a bill to legalize professional MMA in New York for the last three years. The bill has not been voted upon by the Assembly.
“New York is home to two major league and nearly a dozen minor league baseball teams, three NFL teams, two NBA teams, three, NHL teams and scores of other professional sports franchises. New York is home to some of the best arenas and stadiums in the nation, including the world’s most famous stadium, the nation’s most famous arena, and the newest premiere arena venue in America,” Fertitta said. “New York should also be home to regularly scheduled UFC and other MMA events so it can create new jobs, bring in new revenue, and reclaim its title of being the sports capital of the world.”
Friday, October 5, 2012
It may not be MMA, but Madison Square Garden is bringing us Muay Thai and Wrestling!
Hey folks, we still may not have regulated professional MMA in New York, but Madison Square Garden is still doing it's best to satisfy our need for combat sports!
ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012
“MUAY THAI AT THE MECCA 2” IS SET FOR THE THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN. TICKETS GO ON SALE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2
TaKe On Productions, New York’s premiere Muay Thai promotion, and MSG Sports announced the highly anticipated return of full contact Muay Thai Kickboxing to The Theater at Madison Square Garden in “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” on Saturday, November 10, 2012.
Tickets start at $35.00 and go on sale Tuesday, October 2, at The Garden box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Muay Thai and MMA gyms throughout NY, NJ, CT and PA and at www.thegarden.com. TaKe On VIP ticket packages will also be available via www.TakeOnProductions.com, along with the full fight card, fighter information, and other exciting content.
The historic “Muay Thai at the Mecca” proved to be the biggest sanctioned Muay Thai event ever in United States history and already “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” is building up to surpass the celebrated event. “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” will feature UFC veteran Ryan “The Lion” Madigan alongside undefeated Take On heavyweight slugger, Brian Collette who will collide with WBC Champ Steven Banks and undefeated Take On middleweight champion, Nick Vaughan will face Phil LeGrand, who may be his toughest opponent yet.
“The debut of Muay Thai kickboxing at Madison Square Garden earlier this year was nothing short of fantastic,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports. “The Garden is excited to continue our partnership with TaKe-On Productions and bring the thrilling sport back to its many fans with “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” on November 10.”
“Following our overwhelmingly successful partnerships with MSG Sports on both ‘Muay Thai at the Mecca’ in March, and ‘Battle at Bally’s II’ in August, TaKe On Productions is thrilled to return to Madison Square Garden. TaKe On continues to deliver to our fans record-breaking events featuring today’s top fighters, non-stop action, and highlight reel knockouts,” stated TaKe On CEO Mike Gasparski.
“After the tremendous success of our first MSG show, it’s only natural that TaKe On returns to the Mecca for another historic event. ‘Muay Thai at the Mecca 2’ on November 10th will set the new standard in our sport as the biggest Muay Thai event the US has ever seen,” added TaKe On President Eddie Cuello.
Four title fights will highlight this explosive fight card including the hard hitting undefeated TaKe On cruiserweight Champion, Ariel Abreu (6-0; Camp Undefeated/NY) as he puts his belt on the line. Additionally, WKA women’s 105 lb. champ Jess Ng (7-1 Sitan/NY), 125 lb. champ Prairie Ruglio (Girl Fight MMA/NJ), and men’s Pro WKA Champ Justin Greskiewicz (18-9-3 Cool Hearts/PA) will all look to defend their crowns.
Cyrus “Black Dynamite” Washington (50 wins, 48 KO’s), arguably the most exciting North American Muay Thai fighter to enter the ring, will headline the 22 bout card. Washington, now fighting out of Long Island’s Militia MMA, spent years as a pro fighter living and training in Thailand. He has fought and defeated international superstars and is looking to build his fame on his native land.
Other marquee names featured on the “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2,” which will include representatives from a total of 26 premiere Muay Thai kickboxing gyms, are:
Jay Matias (16-6, Sitan Gym/NY) trains under World Champion Muay Thai coach Aziz Nabih. He is the WKA North American Lightweight Champion, and was recently named 2012’s top Muay Thai Prospect by “Muay Thai Is Life” &“THEGARV.com.”
Tarek Rached (26-3, AFC Kickboxing/NY) with over 100 amateur fights, this Ronkonkoma, NY native has won World Championships in WAKO, WKA, and WPKA.
Eddie Maritnez (20-8) has recently won a world title at the Arab Boxing World Championship in Dubai with a seventh-round knockout of Russia’s Illman Arskahanov.. He holds the TaKe On record for most Knockouts via headkick!
Many others top fighters will appear including: Elijah Clarke (Renzo Gracie/NY),Pawel Zawatowski (New York Jiu Jitsu), Kate Allen (Cool Hearts/PA), and Sean George (CeeThree Athletics/CT).
Check out this HL from Muay Thai at the Mecca I
ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012
Collegiate wrestling will invade Madison Square Garden for the first time in its illustrious 133 year history for the inaugural “Grapple at the Garden,” presented by Suplay.com on Sunday, December 16. A robust field of fourteen top notch wrestling teams including Bloomsburg, Bucknell, Chattanooga, Cornell, Drexel, Hofstra, George Mason, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Ohio State, and Rutgers will participate. This event will consist of dual meets at 10:30am and 12:30pm.
10:30AM:
Mat 1 – PSAL Holiday Tournament (High School)
Mat 2 – Drexel vs. George Mason
Mat 3 - Rutgers vs. Nebraska
Mat 4 - Iowa vs. Hofstra
Mat 5 - Ohio State vs. Maryland
Mat 6 – Cornell vs. Missouri
Mat 7 – Oklahoma State vs. Chattanooga
Mat 8 – PSAL Holiday Tournament (High School)
12:30PM:
Mat 1 – PSAL Holiday Tournament (High School)
Mat 2 - Iowa vs. Bucknell
Mat 3 – Rutgers vs. Chattanooga
Mat 4 – Ohio State vs. Hofstra
Mat 5 – Nebraska vs. Maryland
Mat 6 – Cornell vs. Oklahoma State
Mat 7 – Missouri vs. Bloomsburg
Mat 8 – PSAL Holiday Tournament (High School)
To view mat locations, Click Here.
To view seat locations by team, Click Here.
To view seat location by price, Click Here.
To view the official press release, Click Here.
For the official Grapple at the Garden travel packages, Click Here.
For great wrestling products visit, http://suplay.com/
For discounted group rates, call MSG Group Sales at (212) 465-6080
Madison Square Garden has made arrangements with its Signature Airline partner, Delta Airlines, to offer Grapple at the Garden attendees additional discounts from all DL routes to New York.
Reservations and ticketing are available via www.delta.com. When booking online, select “Meeting Event Code”, and enter meeting code NMEW8 in the box provided on the Search Flight page. Reservations may also be made by calling our Delta Meeting reservations at 800-328-1111 Mon-Fri 7am-7pm CDT.
*Please note that there is a direct ticketing fee for booking through the reservation number above.
ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012
“MUAY THAI AT THE MECCA 2” IS SET FOR THE THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN. TICKETS GO ON SALE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2
TaKe On Productions, New York’s premiere Muay Thai promotion, and MSG Sports announced the highly anticipated return of full contact Muay Thai Kickboxing to The Theater at Madison Square Garden in “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” on Saturday, November 10, 2012.
Tickets start at $35.00 and go on sale Tuesday, October 2, at The Garden box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Muay Thai and MMA gyms throughout NY, NJ, CT and PA and at www.thegarden.com. TaKe On VIP ticket packages will also be available via www.TakeOnProductions.com, along with the full fight card, fighter information, and other exciting content.
The historic “Muay Thai at the Mecca” proved to be the biggest sanctioned Muay Thai event ever in United States history and already “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” is building up to surpass the celebrated event. “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” will feature UFC veteran Ryan “The Lion” Madigan alongside undefeated Take On heavyweight slugger, Brian Collette who will collide with WBC Champ Steven Banks and undefeated Take On middleweight champion, Nick Vaughan will face Phil LeGrand, who may be his toughest opponent yet.
“The debut of Muay Thai kickboxing at Madison Square Garden earlier this year was nothing short of fantastic,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports. “The Garden is excited to continue our partnership with TaKe-On Productions and bring the thrilling sport back to its many fans with “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” on November 10.”
“Following our overwhelmingly successful partnerships with MSG Sports on both ‘Muay Thai at the Mecca’ in March, and ‘Battle at Bally’s II’ in August, TaKe On Productions is thrilled to return to Madison Square Garden. TaKe On continues to deliver to our fans record-breaking events featuring today’s top fighters, non-stop action, and highlight reel knockouts,” stated TaKe On CEO Mike Gasparski.
“After the tremendous success of our first MSG show, it’s only natural that TaKe On returns to the Mecca for another historic event. ‘Muay Thai at the Mecca 2’ on November 10th will set the new standard in our sport as the biggest Muay Thai event the US has ever seen,” added TaKe On President Eddie Cuello.
Four title fights will highlight this explosive fight card including the hard hitting undefeated TaKe On cruiserweight Champion, Ariel Abreu (6-0; Camp Undefeated/NY) as he puts his belt on the line. Additionally, WKA women’s 105 lb. champ Jess Ng (7-1 Sitan/NY), 125 lb. champ Prairie Ruglio (Girl Fight MMA/NJ), and men’s Pro WKA Champ Justin Greskiewicz (18-9-3 Cool Hearts/PA) will all look to defend their crowns.
Cyrus “Black Dynamite” Washington (50 wins, 48 KO’s), arguably the most exciting North American Muay Thai fighter to enter the ring, will headline the 22 bout card. Washington, now fighting out of Long Island’s Militia MMA, spent years as a pro fighter living and training in Thailand. He has fought and defeated international superstars and is looking to build his fame on his native land.
Other marquee names featured on the “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2,” which will include representatives from a total of 26 premiere Muay Thai kickboxing gyms, are:
Jay Matias (16-6, Sitan Gym/NY) trains under World Champion Muay Thai coach Aziz Nabih. He is the WKA North American Lightweight Champion, and was recently named 2012’s top Muay Thai Prospect by “Muay Thai Is Life” &“THEGARV.com.”
Tarek Rached (26-3, AFC Kickboxing/NY) with over 100 amateur fights, this Ronkonkoma, NY native has won World Championships in WAKO, WKA, and WPKA.
Eddie Maritnez (20-8) has recently won a world title at the Arab Boxing World Championship in Dubai with a seventh-round knockout of Russia’s Illman Arskahanov.. He holds the TaKe On record for most Knockouts via headkick!
Many others top fighters will appear including: Elijah Clarke (Renzo Gracie/NY),Pawel Zawatowski (New York Jiu Jitsu), Kate Allen (Cool Hearts/PA), and Sean George (CeeThree Athletics/CT).
Check out this HL from Muay Thai at the Mecca I
ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012
Collegiate wrestling will invade Madison Square Garden for the first time in its illustrious 133 year history for the inaugural “Grapple at the Garden,” presented by Suplay.com on Sunday, December 16. A robust field of fourteen top notch wrestling teams including Bloomsburg, Bucknell, Chattanooga, Cornell, Drexel, Hofstra, George Mason, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Ohio State, and Rutgers will participate. This event will consist of dual meets at 10:30am and 12:30pm.
10:30AM:
Mat 1 – PSAL Holiday Tournament (High School)
Mat 2 – Drexel vs. George Mason
Mat 3 - Rutgers vs. Nebraska
Mat 4 - Iowa vs. Hofstra
Mat 5 - Ohio State vs. Maryland
Mat 6 – Cornell vs. Missouri
Mat 7 – Oklahoma State vs. Chattanooga
Mat 8 – PSAL Holiday Tournament (High School)
12:30PM:
Mat 1 – PSAL Holiday Tournament (High School)
Mat 2 - Iowa vs. Bucknell
Mat 3 – Rutgers vs. Chattanooga
Mat 4 – Ohio State vs. Hofstra
Mat 5 – Nebraska vs. Maryland
Mat 6 – Cornell vs. Oklahoma State
Mat 7 – Missouri vs. Bloomsburg
Mat 8 – PSAL Holiday Tournament (High School)
To view mat locations, Click Here.
To view seat locations by team, Click Here.
To view seat location by price, Click Here.
To view the official press release, Click Here.
For the official Grapple at the Garden travel packages, Click Here.
For great wrestling products visit, http://suplay.com/
For discounted group rates, call MSG Group Sales at (212) 465-6080
Madison Square Garden has made arrangements with its Signature Airline partner, Delta Airlines, to offer Grapple at the Garden attendees additional discounts from all DL routes to New York.
Reservations and ticketing are available via www.delta.com. When booking online, select “Meeting Event Code”, and enter meeting code NMEW8 in the box provided on the Search Flight page. Reservations may also be made by calling our Delta Meeting reservations at 800-328-1111 Mon-Fri 7am-7pm CDT.
*Please note that there is a direct ticketing fee for booking through the reservation number above.
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