America's east coast is filled with hungry MMA fans thirsting for live, top-tier action to watch. The UFC comes around these parts once every two years it seems, partly because major cities still outlaw the sport. Whatever the case, this fact leaves a legion of fans without the live MMA action they crave.
Of all organizations, though, the IFL should get some credit for catering to this fan base. They have done so since their inception and provided they don't go tits up this year, east coast fans of MMA should expect a lot of action. Check out the New Jersey schedule of fights for 2008 for further proof:
March 7th - Ring of Combat - Tropicana, Atlantic City
April 4th - IFL - Izod Arena, East Rutherford
April 19th - Battle Cage Xtreme - Tropicana, Atlantic City
May 9th - Ring of Combat - Tropicana, Atlantic City
June 27th - Ring of Combat - Tropicana, Atlantic City
July 12th - Battle Cage Xtreme - Tropicana, Atlantic City
August 8th - IFL - Izod Arena, East Rutherford
October 18th - Battle Cage Xtreme - Tropicana, Atlantic City
November 14th - IFL - Izod Arena, East Rutherford
Granted, the schedule has a decent mix of smaller local shows as well as an installment of the highly watchable ShoXC series. But the common theme here is the IFL's presence. Three shows alone in one year ain't too shabby even if you aren't the biggest IFL fan ever to live. Hats off to them for thinking of east coast fans when they decided on their schedule.