Long Island MMA returns to the NYFE | Long Island Mixed Martial Arts

     The amateur MMA scene in New York only has bigger and better things coming up in its future and lucky for fans they will not have to wait too long until their next taste of New York MMA. New York Fight Exchange 8 “Unstoppable” will be taking place on the twelfth of September and it will be stacked high with talented athletes from gyms across the state and beyond! This organization is not unfamiliar to having a roster heavy with Long Island Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness Center fighters and this event will once again be heavy with them; with a majority of returning NYFE MMA fighters as well as one long awaited debut fighter. Fighting out of Long Island MMA in Farmingdale New York, Joseph “The Saint” Ninomiya, Daren “The Bat” Feliciano, “Hurricane” Rob Scotti, Chrissy “The Doll” Yandolli and Matt “The Horror” Bilella will be stepping into the cage at Club Amazura to give the fans the show that they should always expect from the Long Island MMA camp. With professional coaches such as Ryan LaFlare and Dennis Bermudez among many others these fighters’ performances are sure to shake up the crowd!

     “The Saint” is coming off of a first round submission victory and is eager to continue showcasing his diversity. “The Bat” will be returning after one if not the most impressive highlight takedown in NYFE history and will be sure to continue showcasing his high level wrestling as well as his ever improving striking game! “The Hurricane”, a nickname truly deserved of Rob Scotti for his fierce striking. Fans can be sure to be wowed by his mixture of technique and aggression as he defends his featherweight title! “The Doll” is predominantly known as an extremely experienced striker, however, her grappling skills have been a main point of focus as she has transitioned into the MMA world and although she is dangerous on the feet, one should be wary of underestimating her skills on the ground. Last but nowhere near the least of Long Island MMA’s athletes is “The Horror” whom will be making his much anticipated MMA debut. He has been waiting years to be able to mix it up in the cage and whoever the man across from him on September 12 turns out to be should be very afraid to have been picked as the first contestant on the Horror Show.

The BEST MMA GYM on Long Island New York | Long Island MMA

     I am sure that most of us have heard the term “McDojo” before. It is a term used to describe a chain or individual martial arts establishment that lacks legitimacy or one could even say is poorly managed. As the sport of Mixed Martial Arts exploded into mainstream entertainment the martial arts world experienced a flood of these so called McDojos attempting to hop on the band wagon of Mixed Martial Arts popularity. To the untrained eye it is hard to tell a legitimate school from a farce, especially when they are toting flashy equipment and a clean facility. But time has shown that simply hopping on the popularity train does not prove enough to maintain a successful gym. Schools were opening under individuals with martial arts experience but no business sense, vice versa.

     When the dust settled from the excitement of the opportunity that MMA presented, schools were failing due to lack of business experience, or lack in legitimate training credentials. Certain gyms were forced to downsize and some even forced to close. But there are always exceptions to the norm. These came in the form of gyms run by professional trainers or fighters themselves; those that had the passion, experience and love of the sport. These gyms excelled where others failed. Long Island Mixed Martial Arts is one of those gyms and is a prime example of the criteria previously stated. They first opened their doors in November of 2011 and have been steam rolling the New York MMA scene ever since. Owned by now current UFC Welterweight Ryan LaFlare and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blackbelt/ MMA Coach Gregg DePasquale; Long Island MMA was bred of a true love for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts and it truly shows in the way that members experience their training.

      There are other successful gyms in the Long Island area however, a key point that sets Long Island MMA apart is the fact that everyone that comes in to L.I.M.M.A. receives attention and is treated with equal priority. This is likely a big part of why the team of amateur fighters at Long Island MMA is so talent rich. Everyone has potential and the coaches at Long Island MMA make it their mission to bring out the best in all of their students! Aside from the more than qualified coaching staff another key part of running a gym, like any business would be an education in such an area. While Ryan LaFlare is a professional athlete, he also has a college education. Ryan graduated from Farmingdale State College with a business degree; a degree which has helped turn his once small gym from Lindenhurst into a massive 12,000 square foot facility located in Farmingdale NY. It is the business know how of its owners that has kept Long Island MMA constantly growing and improving, rather than downsizing like so many other schools have had to do.  At Long Island MMA classes are constantly being improved; be it adding more of them or simply improving existing ones. Needless to say, with the foundation and care that makes up Long Island MMA the only place that it will be going is forward to even greater things!

MMA in NY?

Unfortunately for all New York Mixed Martial Artists it is yet another sad day in exile. New York State politicians have once again failed to pass the bill which would legalize the professional practice and regulation of MMA in New York through the State Legislature. All of us here in the state of New York are certainly dumbfounded to hear that this has happened yet again. With excellent athletes and gyms located throughout the state, in the city and out on Long Island it is a shame to see those athletes go another year being banned from fighting in front of their home crowd. UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) Welterweight  and owner of Long Island Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness Center Ryan LaFlare, states that it is one of his dreams to finally be able to fight here at home in front of his fellow New Yorkers. Other professionals training at the Long Island MMA camp in Farmingdale, New York such as UFC featherweight Dennis Bermudez and UFC Lightweight Chris Wade are sure to share his sentiments towards the issue.

     Aside from all of the obvious economic benefits that the legalization of MMA in the state of New York would bring it is the way the ban on the sport ostracizes a massive population of both talented athletes and devout fans from both experiencing and contributing to something that they are very passionate about. Each year has only been getting better and each time we come closer to our goal. One day soon, fighters like Ryan LaFlare will see their dream of fighting here in New York come true. For the sake of the citizens of New York, both fighters and fans alike; we can only hope that 2016 will be the dawn of justice for those of us that have supported and striven to bring the world’s greatest sport home to the Empire State!