On Thursday, newly minted lightweight contender Kenny Florian was among several industry veterans to speak to legislators on behalf of the sport's regulation in Massachusetts.
Florian, who attended the meeting with manager and fight promoter Joe Cavallaro and several UFC officials, said the meeting was a positive step towards legitimizing the sport in the Northeast state.
"There was really no opposition whatsoever, and it seemed like they were very informed," Florian told MMAWeekly Radio last night. "They were asking good questions that they were concerned about."
Since 2005, the sport has operated in a legal gray area, with the Massachusetts Boxing Commission attending, but not overseeing, MMA fights.
"Really, the basis of our argument is that you look at all the other states and how successful it's been, both economically and as far as a logistics standpoint, it’s great. To have a standardized set of rules, and look out for the safety of the fighters is important, and that’s why we want it regulated."
Cavallaro is an active promoter in the Commonwealth, and tells MMAInsider he tries to model state athletic commissions who regulate the sport, employing most of the safety procedures they are required to perform by law.
"Some promoters are going to look to cut corners, and that’s when there can be trouble, and some fighters are going to get hurt," said Florian. "So it’s very important that we get it regulated, and it looks like that’s going to happen."
UFC president Dana White, a resident of Boston in his twenties, announced the promotion was working on an event in the city for November. Florian was optimistic about the prospect.
"There’s so many fans here that want to see a UFC event and more mixed martial arts in the Commonwealth, that I think we’re closer than ever, no doubt about it," he said. "I don’t see why it’s not going to happen. God willing, we’ll have a UFC fight here before the end of the year."
If it happens, though, don't call him for tickets.
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