Ultimate fighting is banned in New York State, but similar bouts take place on native territories, and they have plenty of fans.
"This sport is just the fastest growing sport in the world ," said J.C. Seneca, owner of Raging Wolf Productions.
Patrick Gorman fights for Raging Wolf. He is training for a fight January 23rd at the Seneca Nation Casino in Niagara Falls.
"Some people like to deep sea fish. I like to challenge another guy in an Octagon and see who comes out a winner," said Gorman.
But it is a sport frequently criticized for violence, and was banned by Governor Pataki back in 1997. Governor Paterson may propose legalizing it once again, saying it brings revenue to a cash strapped state, but the legislature must pass it.
"I think it is barbaric. I have two kids and they are re a little older now. I would not want my kids exposed to this kind of activity," said State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer.
"With the rules that are governed with the striking, the things that go on inside the cage, the referee on top of it, the medical people at right at the cage ready to get into the cage, to make sure a fighter is okay, I think all of the safeguards are in place," said Seneca.
Gorman agrees. He will continue to fight on Seneca territories, but would like to see the sport spread.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship, the biggest in mixed martial arts, commissioned a study last in 2008, which found that one UFC event could bring 5.2 million dollars to Buffalo, between the event, hotel use, and restaurants.
"If the fans could see someone like Chuck Lidell.....they would be a great rush for even me myself," added Gorman.
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