It’s been nearly 20 years since MMA was banned in the state of New York, but the dream of a UFC event at Madison Square Garden is set to finally become a reality.
State politicians finally approved a bill legalising mixed martial arts in the state, marking the end of a long and, until now, fruitless battle to overturn a 1997 ruling against the sport that was the only one of its kind in the US.
On seven previous occasions, bills have passed through the State senate, only to be defeated in the New York Assembly, but today’s proposition was approved by a 113-25 margin.
There were passionate speeches both for and against the bill, with those against citing the violent aspect of the sport and those in favour aiming to ensure that regulation is provided to prevent more dangerous underground events.
Update: NY Assembly woman Ellen Jaffee thinks MMA is barbaric and ruining lives of innocent women and children.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 22, 2016
The bill will now come before Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has shown support for MMA in the past and is widely expected to sign it without delay.
.@NYGovCuomo in Niagara Falls today: "I do support mixed martial arts because it's also an economic generator." @MMA4NY
— Robert Harding (@RobertHarding) March 22, 2016
The NY State Athletic Commission must then adopt a series of regulations to allow it operate as the sport’s sanctioning body, a process that can take 120 days, meaning the first MMA cards could take place in New York by the autumn.
It has been widely reported that the UFC has already booked a date in November at the one-time mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden, in anticipation of the bill’s success.
Come on New York, this could be a HUGEEEE day for us. Long time coming #MMA
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 22, 2016
The UFC has not put on an event in New York since a 1995 card in Buffalo, but the scheduling of regular cards on the east coast would surely be of benefit to any travelling UK fans.
MMA in NY is good news for travelling Irish fans too. Cheaper, shorter, direct flights and no burning to death in the desert.
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) March 22, 2016
