“At a time when Long Island’s property taxes are through the roof and our income taxes are some of the highest in the nation, we should be doing everything we can to attract new businesses and increase revenue for our state. There’s no reason Las Vegas should reap all the benefits of this sport when we have world class venues here like Madison Square Garden and the Barclay’s Center.

“Professional MMA has the potential to create countless new jobs, bring in millions in new revenue and allow world famous athletes like Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey to train here on our soil. I am pleased that New York has finally joined the rest of the nation in legalizing a safe and well-regulated version of MMA and can begin to profit off the industry. I look forward to seeing the sport grow here in New York and realizing its success.”