Lift the Ban Watch: Indiana Edition

Money talks in the Hoosier state:

Since the state would collect 5 percent of general admission and 5 percent of pay-per-view, it could prove to be profitable for the state as well.

"We actually have more fights and would like to have more throughout the industry so from that standpoint we support this," said Mike Smith, casino lobbyist.

Mixed martial arts events are known to attract large regional crowds who may decide to try their luck at gaming as well.

"We are a sport now. We don't want to be recognized as thugs and goons because we are not," said Chad Wagner, mixed martial arts promoter.

...

"This will give the sanctioning body the teeth and force to make sure a fighter is taken care of. That is the number one concern we have," said John Manley, another mixed martial arts promoter.

A close number two as testimony bore out in committee Wednesday morning is that many of the smaller promoters fear the regulation that attracts the big events like ultimate fighting will destroy small local events that will not be able to meet those requirements.

"There will not be a feeder system for the big shows because you will not have any amateurs. It will be like Florida and California. They will be gone," said one promoter.

Note to promoters of smaller MMA shows: you want the UFC to come to your town. They are not going to stay and when they leave, the government will be a little richer while the city is likely to be a little more knowledgeable and excited about MMA. That means there is potentially more excitement and familiarity with your MMA product, so use some business acumen and leverage the opportunity.

I admit that an amateur scene would be ideal, but is not absolutely critical at this juncture. Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater: what we often see is that states with legalized professional MMA soon regulate the amateur seen with enough time and pressure. Moreover, fighters in the state don't have to travel far to get amateur experience in neighboring states and they'll still be able to turn professional at home. Besides, Din Thomas lives in Florida, so who else is going to hold smokers to get his fighters some experience?