Less than 24 hours after a landmark Assembly vote approving professional mixed martial arts in New York, a professional fighter stopped by a local high school to talk to kids about an important subject. Barry Wygel has more from Colonie High School.
COLONIE, N.Y. -- Barbaric, brutal and violent -- they're words mixed martial arts detractors use to describe mixed martial arts. Not surprisingly, UFC fighter Tom Murphy doesn't see it that way.
"For me it's not a violent sport at all. I'll debate that with anyone. I've never thought violently. I compete in a sport, that I'm very proud of. We have referees, judges, people who take care of the safety of the competitors," said Tom Murphy.
In fact he is on a mission of love for Murphy.
"Do you think bullying is a problem here? I do. I used to walk away from it, but I learned you shouldn't do that," said Mckenzie Antoniak.
"I don't care if it's your hair or if you are sleeping on a floor, there is something going on in your life. We provide a very unique perspective to kids," said Murphy.
Bullying seems to be more and more prevalent in our schools. Tom says we have been going about the problem all wrong, and he has a new solution to it.
"Kids don't listen to speakers. Kids don't listen to teachers. They listen to kids, and our job is to inspire kids," said Murphy.
"Do you think you'll change what you do now? I really am going to, because I know I have done some hurtful things to people and it made me change. It made me think," said Antoniak.
Tom will be back for part two of his presentation Thursday.