Editor’s Note: Today the Assembly passed legislation to legalize Mixed Martial Arts. New York State is the only remaining State in the nation that prohibits professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitions (Currently, only amateur MMA is allowed). 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).

“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.”