New York nears legalization of MMA competition
New York state is nearing the legalization of professional mixed martial arts within its borders. It will be the last state in the union to do so. Many pro fighters from New York have to travel
•
Mar 25, 2016, 1:34 AM
•
Updated 3,342 days ago
Share:
New York state is nearing the legalization of professional mixed martial arts within its borders.
It will be the last state in the union to do so.
Many pro fighters from New York have to travel out of state to compete.
The fighters train in several forms of martial arts - including Brazilian jiujitsu, muay thai boxing, wrestling, judo and karate.
Sam Marji, the owner of Animals Mixed Martial Arts in Yonkers, says it's been legal to practice and train for the sport here, but public competitions have been banned since 1977.
On Tuesday, the state Assembly passed a bill that paves the way to legalize and regulate the sport. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign the bill into law when it reaches his desk.
MMA, which is the fastest growing sport in the world by some estimates, will likely soon become an attraction at Madison Square Garden.
More from News 12
2:24
NJ rail strike deal reached with trains resuming Tuesday; Metro-North cross-honors tickets today
2:00
Sunny and breezy today, but big changes arrive starting Wednesday
2:15
Growing number of patients claim Ozempic can come with irreversible vision loss
0:40
Police in NY participate in Buckle Up New York seat belt safety campaign
0:42
Poughkeepsie Fire Department testing hydrant system
2:08
