It's only been a few months since it became legal to hold mixed martial arts events in New York, and one of the first such events in the state drew a sellout crowd in Batavia tonight at the Quality Inn and Suites.
Le Roy resident Richard Mitchell, owner of Ground Force Fights and himself a former professional MMA fighter, was the event's promoter.
First three photos, Mark Murry vs. John Gearhart. Murray won at 1:30 in the first round due to strikes.
In the dual main events, Morgan Cavanaugh vs, Eddie Ortiz Junior. Ortiz won at 1:55 in round 1. Tom Shelby beat Nick Phelps at 1:55 in round 1.
Previously: Local promoter bringing one of the state's first MMA events to Batavia
Two photos above, Sean Keough vs. Yuri Panferov. Panferov won at 1:15 in round 1 after a verbal tapout by Keough.
Ask yourself what the number
Ask yourself what the number one concern in any sport is and what will be the answer? Concussions, brain injuries, etc.
New York was the last holdout for sanity and now because the almighty dollar has spoken, "fans" can go and watch contestants pummel each other senseless.
This isn't sport....it's barbarism and it's shameful that our legislature made this legal in New York.
Bring on the haters.
Dave Meyer. It appears (to me
Dave Meyer. It appears (to me, anyways) that a "hater" has already chimed in on this article.
Personally, I fail to see what the problem is. It (MMA) is a sport. As such, it's one person's choice to engage another person within the rules of the sport.
Nope. Not anything I'd want to do. Likewise, I wouldn't want to engage in boxing, or bobsledding, or bronco riding. But, that's my choice. I am perfectly fine with allowing others to choose whatever they want to do, as long as it's their choice (and, they don't harm anyone not participating).
It used to be, the "average" reasons boxers got into boxing was because they had far fewer choices of making a living (again, not all of them, but, most of them).
With MMA, I've seen doctors, dentists, lawyers, and many other "professionals" who choose to step inside "the cage". Nobody's making them do it. Economics (for many of them) certainly doesn't appear to be the reason.
You certainly have the right to disagree with their choice. But, they also have the right to do it, as long as it's not against the law.
They enter the cage willingly, and, I'm guessing, with the knowledge that they could possibly inflict (or, be the recipient of) great bodily injury or death. It's really not that much different than skydiving or racing around an oval track at 100mph.
"The last holdout of sanity?"
"New York was the last holdout for sanity and now because the almighty dollar has spoken, "fans" can go and watch contestants pummel each other senseless."
Boxing is legal and licensed in this state, as is football, professional wrestling, rugby, soccer and a wide variety of other sports where head injuries are a strong possibility. If you have some objection to MMA, then don't watch it, and boycott the rest of the other sports too. Nobody is forced to do anything, if fighters want to participate in the sport, they shouldn't be stopped from doing so because a certain segment of the population are squeamish about the idea. There are also a great deal of people who aren't fighters that make a living from the sport and I am glad that they're able to put food on the table.
Dan, Dave would like to tell
Dan, Dave would like to tell you what you can watch and not watch. What sport you can take part in or not.
What's crazy about Dave's
What's crazy about Dave's stance is that he criticizes the new legality of MMA but doesn't say a word about boxing, which is also a sport where "contestants pummel each other". If you're going to attempt to argue to ban one, then why not throw in other fighting based competitions as well?
One person's moralizing should not have to become law for everyone else. What Dave sees as "barbarism", which is a fairly ignorant and one-dimensional point of view, is to those who participate and are fans a skilled contest that requires a mastery of martial arts and physical training. It's a fight to be sure, but competitive one and one with rules and common-sense regulations. Win or lose, you get up and shake hands with your opponent. As I've said, if you find it distasteful or a bad example for your kids, turn it off, don't go to an event, but don't attempt to force a question of legality because of your own personal points of view.
Hey, Danny boy.....READ WHAT
Hey, Danny boy.....READ WHAT I WROTE!!
I'm not " attempting to force a question of legality". I realize that ship has sailed. Don't put words in my mouth, I never said any such thing!
My opinion, 'ignorant' (in your view) or not is how I feel and last I checked I'm still free to express it. I can 'moralize' as much as I damn well please and you can choose to listen or not.
As for boxing, my sentiments about that 'sport' are essentially the same as MMA. If you call something where the goal is to concuss your opponent so that he or she gives up or cannot continue a sport, then have at it. It's not for me.
And John, what bearing do the sports that I happen to enjoy or participate in have on this conversation?
Dan, you're sounding like a
Dan, you're sounding like a libertarian. Careful. Before you know it, somebody will accuse of you reading Ayn Rand.
Howard, Libertarians are not
Howard, Libertarians are not always wrong :)
Well they tell us hunting is
Well they tell us hunting is also a sport,they just forget to tell the animals they are participating.It's all in the eye of the beholder,and what they are willing to accept as sport/entertainment.Its all about your own moral compass as to whether you watch,or turn it off.I'm not sure that the willful beating of another is sport,punishment,stupidity,or all of the above,I don't care,I don't/won't watch it.I guess I take the easy way out.One could have argued that old school NHL hockey was barbaric,and in my opinion it was.The game of hockey has evolved,certain types of hits are now illegal,fighting is all but gone from the game,and the finished product seems to be more desirable to viewers.Maybe MMA needs some adjustments,I can't say,I'm not a fan.
Hunting is also conservation.
Hunting is also conservation.
Maybe the only sport that
Maybe the only sport that should be legal is Curling (the curling that DOESN'T involve barbells).
But, then, I suppose there's always the possibility of getting a rebellious broom bristle in the eye!
Is there really any safe sport?
Dave - I prefer a Cabernet
Dave - I prefer a Cabernet Sauvignoun this time of year, it's a full-bodied wine with just the right amount of bite that compliments relaxing in the warmth after a cold day. Perhaps you could pick up an extra sharp cheddar or, be bold, a gouda to pair with it?
The word legality has a double meaning, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that I was talking about your call for it not to be made legalized, and your response about your right to express your opinion is downright hysterical. Of course you have the right to be a smug, moralizing, counter-productive, one-dimensional online diva, and it really takes one of those to complain about people responding to you in kind. I know, you're a sensitive person, but do try a little harder next time.
I really do recommend the classic extra sharp cheddar though, there's a reason for the traditional pairing, always need some good cheese with my wine. Looks like you need extra.
Frank - What are you talking
Frank - I just went to a Sabres game last week and there were multiple fights. In hockey as with other sports, it gets you a penalty. MMA is a martial arts competition that is based on your fighting skill. Calling it barbaric is just not accurate given the multitude of rules that come with it. Also, if you care about the environment, you're pro-hunting. Without hunters the habitat for the other animals gets eaten by a surplus deer population.
I want to express my
I want to express my agreement with Dave Meyer's original comment. As far as I'm concerned it applies to most, if not all sports. If we as a culture can't find anything better to do with our time and money, we ARE barbaric. Millions of dollars are spent on sports of all kinds, and libraries have to beg for funds. Children are hungry and animals are euthanized, and we would rather watch people abuse each other? Sad! I know I'll get dozens of negative responses over this but I stand by this opinion just the same. May each and every one of you have a joyful and peaceful holiday season.
"I don't like it so no one
"I don't like it so no one should."
I'm so tired of this line of thinking.
One reason we cover high
One reason we cover high school athletics so much is because athletics and competition teach important life skills -- working with others, diligence to a task, perseverance, handling success and defeat with equanimity, good sportsmanship (which is good citizenship), the rewards of hard work, leadership skills, the value of friendship and loyalty, the importance of physical fitness.
To me, there is no difference in importance for people of all ages in being exposed to and participating in academics, arts, and athletics. Each provide value and enrich life. Each enhances and improves the others. Those who shut out academics or arts or athletics are only limiting the possibilities of their own lives.
Yes, a heavily regulated
Yes, a heavily regulated martial arts competition where sportsmanship and respect are highly regarded is just plain barbaric I'll tell you! Barbaric! BARBARIC!
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