One of the most significant events in mixed martial arts occurred today on March 22nd, 2016 as one of the biggest travesties of the sport became rectified as New York finally legalized professional MMA competition.
New York had long been the only state in the United States to not have legalized professional mixed martial arts events. Tuesday morning, the NY State Assembly voted to legalized MMA on a bipartisan vote of 113-25.
The bill now only needs to be signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo who has already openly stated his intention to sign the bill should it pass. From the the New York State Athletic Commission has 120 days to adopt guidelines.
If all goes according to plan, the UFC will debut at Madison Square Garden in New York City in November.
“This has been a long time coming and on behalf of our New York UFC athletes and fans, I want to offer heartfelt thanks to Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Morelle and all the Members of the Assembly – Democrats and Republicans – who voted for this bill,” said UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta.