WSYR-Syracuse: Growing Base of UFC Fans in CNY
July 12, 2009

Cicero (WSYR-TV) – Saturday night marked the 100th tournament of the ultimate fighting championship airing on pay-per view. Hundreds of fans around Central New York gathered to organize viewing parties.

Inside a sports bar in Cicero, it was the talk of the night. The Ultimate Fighting Championship is mixed martial arts. Fans call it a sport, but it’s not considered one in New York.

There was a bill in the Senate but because of the stalemate, it was stalled. Still, the fan base keeps growing despite what it’s considered.

Hours before the event, the parking lot belonging to Wild Wings was packed.

Fans say they love the intensity of it all. “There’s an art to it all, these guys go through years of training to be where they are,” says Chris Carlin.

He’s been a fan for about two years. Mixed Martial Arts is considered a sport in 36 states. There are also local gyms where it can be practiced in a controlled environment including one in Liverpool.