Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced nearly $97 million in revenue was brought in from mixed martial arts over the past two years since the lift of the statewide ban in 2016. Assemblyman Santabarbara was one of the key supporters in passing the legislation in the New York Assembly where the bill had been stalled for more than a decade.
 
Since the ban was lifted in 2016 the industry has increased its revenue, generating more than $7.5 million in paid taxes, a 706 percent increase prior to the sport’s legalization. When the bill was finally passed in 2016, there were regulations put into place that made the sport safer for fighters, including insurance coverage and hospital care.
 
The Ultimate Fighting Championship organization has reported $100 million in economic output state-wide since the legalization of MMA in New York State.
 
“It is welcome news to see the positive impact this sport has made in New York State,” Assemblyman Santabarbara said. “It’s everything I hoped for when I cast my YES vote in support of this bill.”  “It wasn’t easy to get the legislation passed, but since then we have seen a positive impact in our economy and new opportunities here in the capital region,” Santabarbara added.

Santabarbara noted that Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady has held several MMA events in their event center that has attracted hundreds to the Electric City. “Fans come for the MMA and stay for everything downtown Schenectady has to offer. It’s a win-win,” said Santabarbara.