MMA legalization smacked in poll

Thumbnail image for ufc.jpgA Marist poll out late last week reports that 68 percent of the registered voters it surveyed were against legalizing ultimate fighting in New York State. Twenty-nine percent were in favor.

That split held more-or-less true across the political ideology, geographic region and income (Republicans and upstaters favored legalization a little bit more). The split was more even when sorted by age: 50/50 for 18-29 and 54/43 against for 30-44.

David Paterson's proposed budget includes a measure that would legalize ultimate fighting (or mixed martial arts, as it's also known) -- though the plan projects the revenue generated to be modest.

Here's the wording of the Marist poll question, which describes the sport. Kevin Marshall, an MMA fan, says the question was "a wildly misleading choice of words."

By the way: A promoter of the cage fight at Washington Ave Armory Friday night said the event was a step toward ultimate fighting. The fight had originally been scheduled for the SEFCU Arena -- but UAlbany canceled after there were concerns it was an illegal MMA event. [Daily Gazette $] [@albstudentpress]

photo: Flickr user Lee Brimelow

Comments

If you've ever met or been around any of these idiots you would know within 5 seconds that this should never be allowed in NY State. Leave it for Vegas and the circus. When I drove by the Armory that night there were 5 cop cars outside and 4 guys in handcuffs walking out.

educated favor it over non-educated. non partisans and moderates favor it over any party R's or D's. the biggest disparity? men over women (45 -13).

do you want to outlaw the NFL, Boxing as too violent? how about outlawing 'gentlemen clubs' and the degradation of women before we outlaw a martial sport.

the people's republic of new york strains gnats again.

Say Something!

We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.

The Scoop

Ever wish you had a smart, savvy friend with the inside line on what's happening around the Capital Region? You know, the kind of stuff that makes your life just a little bit better? Yeah, we do, too. That's why we created All Over Albany. Find out more.

Recently on All Over Albany

NYS Summer Writers Institute 2012

Claire Messud The slate is up for this summer's New York State Writers Institute's summer public readings series in Saratoga. Some of the names you... (more)

Williamstown Theatre Festival 2012

Skimming through the slate for this summer's Williamstown Theatre Festival, there are a bunch of names you'll recognize: Bradley Cooper, Patricia Clarkson, David Hyde Pierce,... (more)

Virgin Alexander DVD

The DVD for Virgin Alexander -- the indie comedy that shot in Saratoga -- will be out this July, and is available now for pre-order.... (more)

NYRA placed under "temporary public control"

Andrew Cuomo and the legislative leaders announced today that they've agreed to create a "NYRA Reorganization Board" that will place horse racing org under direct... (more)

Bialy at the Eastern Parkway Price Chopper

The bialy is dead. Long live the bialy. Maybe you've read Mimi Sheraton's The Bialy Eaters, in which the food writer travels the world in... (more)

Recent Comments

Having a child is indeed a second shot or at least a reminder of the magic of childhood. I thought of this yesterday and my 4 year old and myself rode figure 8's and generally raced all around the now empty parking lots of Sage, Albany College of Pharmacy and OPWDD on our BMX bikes. So many childhood 'far away' journeys are actually so close.

Interesting in 2010: DelSo's Silvia Lilly

...has 3 comments, most recently from neighbor

Photos from the AOA Burger Lab at Central Steak

...has 2 comments, most recently from Daniel B.

A good accountant for small businesses?

...has 11 comments, most recently from tim

Bialy at the Eastern Parkway Price Chopper

...has 6 comments, most recently from Ellen

NYRA placed under "temporary public control"

...has 1 comment, most recently from Ron