“New York moved one step closer to becoming the 45th state to regulate mixed martial arts, as the state Senate voted 32-26 to pass a bill on Wednesday that would legalize the sport.”
“A similar bill is currently in committee in the state Assembly, where it is expected to pass before facing a close vote on the Assembly floor. If it gets out of the Assembly, Gov. Paterson is expected to sign it into law and fans could see a mixed martial arts event in Madison Square Garden as early as this fall.”
Professional mixed martial arts fans could see the UFC hold an event at Madison Square Garden before the end of the year. The state moved one step closer to legalizing MMA in New York on Wednesday. Now the bill moves forward to the Assembly.
Proponents of the bill realize the positive economic impact bringing an event like the Ultimate Fighting Championship into a city would have. While those opposing the bill primarily use the argument that the sport is too violent and sends the wrong message to the youth.