Greetings Northeast MMA Community,
For the last 6 months I have worried about this day. I always pictured myself writing a letter to the MMA community on the eve of sanctioning with a heavy heart knowing that all we had worked so hard for was for nothing. I had an uncomfortable feeling that we would have worked for years to put together a fantastic product, only to have it ruined by a commission which cared only about money and not our sport. Over the years there are many memories which will always stay with me. I remember seeing news footage of Biggie and the Lauzons holding signs on the Taunton green to protest the shutting down of a show. I remember Mike Varner readying himself to storm city hall flanked by media in defense of the sport we love. I remember Dana White and the Tapout Crew showing up to WCF and feeling like “no matter what happens from here on out, we put ourselves on the map tonight!”
Also over the last 6 months there has been another front in the battle for the future of local MMA, the new commissioners. I truly believe that the MMA community really went above and beyond the call on this one. I’m not a guy who usually gets into politics, but this time it was different. When we saw that there just may be a chance to get Joe Esposito, one of our own, a true ”MMA supporter” on the commission, the community answered the call. From the countless fans and supporters who called their legislators, to the many hundreds of people who signed an online petition voicing their support, the community rallied behind Joe. News was very rarely encouraging, but we always believed there was a chance.
Well, today it is with great pleasure that I tell you, Northeast MMA, that all our hard work has paid off!! Joe Esposito has just been given official notice that he is to be appointed to the newly formed Massachusetts Athletic Commission as a full fledged Commissioner!
Today is a great day friends. I have known Joe for many years and we could not ask for a better person to be on the new Commission. He is committed 100 percent to making this sport succeed in the Commonwealth. His phone will be answered day or night should an issue or question arise. Any concern will be heard with open ears and an open mind. Massachusetts MMA is in a very good place.
If you are going to WCF tomorrow evening, please be sure to say congratulations and wish him luck. Tomorrow night will be Joe’s last appearance as the “independent arbitrator” for local MMA shows. Starting Monday, it will be Commissioner. Congratulations Joe! I feared this day might not come, but alas it has. You deserve this, the community deserves you, and all is good my friend.
Kevin the ref
Bill Mahoney
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 10:48 PM:
Great to hear!
lit
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 11:09 PM:
finally some good news..
Congrats Joe.
BMUR
on Feb 25th, 2010
@ 11:17 PM:
Congrats Joe!!
S-Lo
on Feb 26th, 2010
@ 12:34 AM:
Congrats Joe
ksturdiv
on Feb 26th, 2010
@ 2:09 AM:
congrats Joe a sign of good things to come.
mike varner
on Feb 26th, 2010
@ 8:59 AM:
Greg- Team Kaze
on Feb 26th, 2010
@ 10:35 AM:
Great news! congrats Joe!
ryan parker
on Feb 26th, 2010
@ 10:55 AM:
wow. that’s so great.
Jason Franklin
on Feb 26th, 2010
@ 1:57 PM:
Huge congrats. We are definitely headed the right way!
greg saks
on Feb 26th, 2010
@ 3:32 PM:
Congratulations Joe, great news.
And thanks Kevin for taking the time to write the letter and be one of the really positive voices for MMA here.
Keith F
on Feb 27th, 2010
@ 11:11 AM:
Congrats Joe! things are looking up
scott r
on Feb 27th, 2010
@ 12:38 PM:
Well done Joe, great for our sport!
notasoldaslocolobo
on Mar 1st, 2010
@ 11:54 PM:
Thanks for all of your dedication guys. Does anyone know where I can find the requirements for changes they are proposing for us late bloomers in MMA who are looking for their first amateur fight after the age of 40? It’s either that or just live vicariously through my kid, thanks