Lorenzo Fertitta and the UFC's International Expansion

On the heels of a New York Times article covering content that's about a year behind the times (the UFC's international expansion and how Lorenzo Fertitta fits in), comes word from BJJ Asia that semi-pro bouts are being conducted in India. Bloody Elbow's own Michael Rome covered the idea of the UFC expanding into India with much praise and it turns out the MMA ball may already be rolling there.

While a one-off or low profile semi-pro MMA event isn't a cause for wild celebration, I would add to what Rome said with the observation that a) MMA events are beginning to be held in neighboring China and Taiwan and b) that India has their own style of folk wrestling. While the Indian form of wrestling is significantly different than American or collegiate freestyle, it does at least give hope that Indians will have some sporting cousin that can serve as a liason to understanding MMA's ground game.