In Manhattan, you can see: Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Russian sambo (developed in the Soviet Union in the early 1900s), boxing (Yankee Stadium may host Miguel Cotto and Yuri Foreman in June) and Judo
These are all techniques used in ultimate fighting and they’re all legal, says MMA fan Kevin Lillis.
Last Friday night, hundreds of people gathered in Broad Street Ballroom. The mostly-male crowd — real estate brokers and finance types — roared as two barefoot fighters punched and kicked each other until blood and spit flew across the ring.
If you need a blood sport fix, Muay Thai is about as exciting as legally possible to get in New York right now. Only mixed martial arts — a controversial, and, many say, dangerous form of fighting that Gov. David Paterson wants to legalize in New York — surpasses it for sheer physical punishment. Backers say it could bring the state $2.1 million.
“Muay Thai is where my heart is,” said Justin Greskiewicz, 25, one of the fighters who competed, and lost, on Friday night. “It’s a lot like boxing ... But it’s different because you’re allowed to use kicks, knees and elbows to hurt your opponent.”
Many Muay Thai fans eagerly await the day ultimate fighting is legal here.
“It’s a one-on-one sport and there’s no ill will,” said Queens resident Peter Avila, 30, watching Friday’s fight. He travels to Philadelphia and Boston to see MMA battles. “Boxing is just as brutal.”