O'Neil making a statement for locals

Over the past few weeks, Chuck O'Neil has struck a huge blow for local mixed martial arts.
During that time, O'Neil has gone from alternate on season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter to a semifinalist. Tonight, he will take on Tony Ferguson for the right to fight in the live championship bout and a contract with the UFC.
Last week, O'Neil beat the tar out of Zach Davis to punch his ticket for the semis. He is a solid fighter with good striking skills and untested wrestling skills. At 8-3entering the TUF competition, O'Neil was ranked second in the Northeast behind Tom Moreau of Derry, who said he was passed over for the show.
MMA is much bigger out west, in places like Las Vegas and LA, but it is getting bigger here. Last year, Massachusetts sanctioned the sport and this year Maine followed suit. Now shows are popping up everywhere and even taking on some of the bigger venues in New England such as the Whittemore Center in Durham and the Tsongas Arena in Lowell, Mass.
Hopefully, O'Neil's run this season will open the eyes of the UFC and show them that there are quality fighters here in New England. Hopefully, it will get more deserving local fighters signed to contracts and maybe even bring more televised events our way.