Issue 100
April 2013
Image issues for mixed martial arts are something we all have to contend with from time to time. Two steps forward, one step back. It’s irritating and often we find ourselves defending the sport, most often against ignorance and misperception. But when blind ignorance makes the sport more dangerous for its practitioners, it’s frankly unacceptable. Such a situation has raised its ugly head in Australia.
Gareth A Davies
MMA and Boxing Correspondent for The Daily Telegraph, London, talks rage over the cage, New York and pixelated pugilists
The government in Western Australia intends to ban the use of the cage for events from early March, insisting that a boxing ring must be used. I know what you are thinking. It is a disgrace, because they are simply not listening to the people in the know.
Terry Waldron, Sports and Recreation Minister for Western Australia, says “the state government does not believe (the use of cages) is in the community’s best interests” and will be made illegal. The decision goes against the advice of the Combat Sports Commission, backed up by prominent figures in Perth’s MMA community.
There have been no studies, no clear information as to why, and no consultation. The Combat Sports Commission has advised and stated clearly that the cage is a much safer option and should be implemented. The ‘cage’ has now become a political football. The Labour party, currently in opposition, has accused the state government of playing politics with the sport and endangering the safety of competitors.
The UFC have now become involved, too. Tom Wright, the UFC’s director of operations for Australia, New Zealand and Canada, has revealed the ban will jeopardize plans to hold an event at Perth Arena either late in 2013 or in 2014, an inaugural event there.
With Waldron implacable over change – there are several radio interviews on YouTube – the shadow sports minister Mick Murray has responded by insisting the government must focus on safety to avoid driving the sport underground.
However, Waldron said: “I just don’t think the cage sends a good message and I don’t think the majority of people in Western Australia accept the cage either.” Waldron admits it is “a contentious issue,” and put forward a ring with mats around the outside. “It’s like a high jumper falling into a pit, or having bedding there.” Rather than listen to the professionals, and the commission, and proof of the safety benefits of the cage, the government has chosen to ignore the commission they created and has based its decision on its own perceptions, thoughts and beliefs. It’s frankly absurd, but a reminder to us all that we must continue to defend the sport with calm, rational arguments.
NEW YEAR, NEW YORK
As readers of this column are well aware, I have constantly kept tabs on the move for legalization of mixed martial arts in New York State. When Rampage Jackson fought Glover Teixeira in Chicago in January, the Culinary Union claimed women’s groups were up in arms after the release of a spoof video made by Jackson last year, in which he was depicted as stalking a woman. It was meant to be humorous, but was ultimately a misstep.
It was a sign, though, that the Culinary Union, which has a strong lobby in New York State, is keeping up their intransigence against Station Casinos – owned by the UFC’s Fertitta brothers – over the dispute that Station Casino employees are non-union. Behind the scenes, there was optimism within Zuffa that Jon Jones versus Chael Sonnen, scheduled for April could be moved across the water from New Jersey into New York State. That looks unlikely now, but the noises emanating from Zuffa HQ are carrying optimism that the legislature could be in place by the summer if the move is put before the New York Assembly. Melvina Latham, head of the New York State Athletic Commission, is also understood to be fully behind MMA’s inclusion.
BIG SALES PREDICTED FOR NEXT UFC GAME
The new EA Sports UFC game is expected to retail around 40 million units when it goes on sale later this year. On face value, that will bring a huge influx of new, younger fans to the sport. The last UFC game was built by THQ, but its future production of the UFC Undisputed franchise was brought to a close when the UFC agreed to a multi-year licensing deal in June 2012.
As with most EA titles, the process of creating the game is also involving gamers and fight fans. Over 5,000 player suggestions have already been placed for the game on EA Sports’ ‘Game Changers’ web page. You can go on there too and give your remarks and suggestions.
