With the sport's approval a little than 24 hours behind us -- well, technically, it's not really official until Friday -- I've been thinking about things ... I know, I know, dangerous prospect. Anyway, you could've probably figured these out on your own, but I thought I would write 'em down.
-- We're going to see an explosion (pardon the pun) of MMA organizations here in the state, both on a local, regional and state-wide basis. In addition, promoters from outside the state will try to set up shop here. Greg Sirb, executive director of the state athletic commission, said the first event should be in either late April or early May.
-- I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see the UFC in the state for a while. The Las Vegas-based company holds many of its events right there in Sin City. They also seem to be concentrating a lot of their energies on building up markets like Canada and England. That being said, it would serve them to make an appearance here on the East Coast, something I don't think they've done in a while. Staging an event in Philly, it being fairly close to New York, might help show politicians in the Empire State all of the benefits they're misisng out on by not having it there. Let's not forget the Holy Grail of MMA: UFC title fight(s) at the most famous arena in the world: Madison Square Garden.
-- OK, so if not the UFC, then who? Sirb said we might see a big show in the state by the end of the year. Well, Strikeforce just bought EliteXC, so I see them expanding outside their comfortable base of San Jose, Calif. EliteXC held several shows on the East Coast, so is it that much of a stretch to see Strikeforce do the same?
LIke I said, just a few random thoughts. If I think of any more, I'll let you know.
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