The NJSACB says that they have denied fighters licenses for HIV, hepatitis C, subdural hematoma only to see those same fighters compete on the New York amateur scene. That New York has been the battleground state in MMA regulation over the past several years is not news to anyone. New York has held out for years against popular opinion (and economic benefit) on legalizing the sport on a professional level. A loophole of sorts does allow amateur mixed martial arts bouts. That loophole has served to make New York a dangerous spot in the MMA world. Just how dangerous? The answer to that question is covered by Nick Lembo of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board in an article by Jim Genia at Deadspin: "There have been many contestants who have been banned from regulated combative sport in New Jersey because of subdural hematoma, hepatitis C, HIV, detached retinas, and other medical concerns who have competed freely in amateur MMA and kickboxing in New York under the direct supervision of state-approved sanctioning bodies, or at shows without such direct supervision," he says. He can't name these athletes
The moral of the story is simply "don't participate in unregulated mma" Hopefully this opens some eyes with New York politicians. It would be better to ban these unregulated amateur fights than continue on as they are currently. Ideally they legalize and regulate mma but either way, this type of thing needs to stop.
This is why having no regulation is worse for your state then having everything regulated. But not sure why fighters go out of their way to compete on amateur shows.
WOW, this is all sorts of wrong. For both fighter, and his possible opponent. I hope no promising prospect fights one of these guys (with HIV or Hep C) and accidentally contracts the disease and fucks up his future career. again.......all sorts of wrong.
Thank you New York for stone walling MMA every year and a very special big thank you to The Culinary Union, excellent job. Hope you all sleep well.
