Write a commentThe 22nd of March 2016 will forever be a historic day for mixed martial arts as The New York State Assembly voted and passed the bill on the sport 113-25. The bill required 76 votes to pass.
After a nearly 20-year battle, New York State will now join the other 49 states that already regulate the sport. The Ultimate Fighting Championship has not been to New York since 1995 and former Governor George Pataki banned the sport in 1997.
While UFC has expressed huge interest coming back to New York, UFC is not the only MMA company as Bellator MMA and World Series of Fighting each have expressed interest in coming to New York. Smaller promotions likely would put on events in the state.
The bill must still be signed by Governor Anthony Cuomo, who has previously stated he would approve it. Cuomo reiterated his support for MMA “Because it is an economic generator.” He added that promoters are committed to staging bouts “in areas that would bring people from out of state into New York.” Currently, the New York State Athletics Commission will have 120 days to adopt sanctioning guidelines.
International statistics show elite athletes competing in MMA are less likely to sustain serious injuries than in a range of other contact sports such as ice hockey, boxing, and football. Studies indicate that legalizing MMA events in New York could generate as much as $67 million in annual revenue. The New York State Senate has overwhelmingly passed legislation authorizing MMA competitions in the State for the past seven years. S.5949-A (same as A.2604-C) passed the Senate in February of this year (vote: 48-14).
Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I--Pulaski) stated "After advocating for its passage and pursuing its legalization with my colleagues for several years, I am proud to have supported the passage of professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in New York State. Before today, this was blocked by the former Speaker of the House. I applaud the new Speaker for bringing this to the floor for a vote and allowing debate. This bill sets the stage to welcome the sport that draws thousands to arenas and creates an economic opportunity across the state. It’s time we allow these fighters to compete in their chosen sport safely and legally so New York fans can experience it at home and reap the economic benefits.”
