In Big Win For UFC, New York Assembly Votes To Legalize MMA

New York’s State Assembly yesterday "voted to legalize mixed martial arts," making the state "the last to allow the sport." The vote "was 113-25 in favor of overturning the sport’s ban," which was enacted in '97. The legislation now will go to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who "included MMA revenue" in his '16-17 proposed state budget earlier this year. UFC co-Chair & CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said that he is "hopeful of putting on one or two fight cards in New York" before the end of '16. Fertitta said UFC would like to stage a card at MSG "hopefully by the fourth quarter" (NEWSDAY, 3/23).

UFC Senior VP/Government & Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner compared the legalization effort to an "eight-year pregnancy." Ratner: "Finally, the baby was born" (L.A. TIMES, 3/23).

The promotion took to Twitter to thank state lawmakers for passing the bill:

Thank You NY State Legislature for making MMA in New York a reality! #MMA4NY pic.twitter.com/5fBCsu1nLZ

— UFC (@ufc) March 22, 2016