MMA still banned in New York
A bill to legalize MMA in the state of New York failed to make it to the state Assembly floor for a vote Thursday, the final day of an extended legislative session.
This marks the sixth year in a row the Senate has passed a bill that would legalize the sport, only to have it expire in the Assembly. The UFC has been a major advocate in lifting the ban on professional MMA, which was established in 1997. UFC president Dana White has been pushing hard for a December 5th date at Madison Square Garden. This decision pissed him off. Dana White said "The corruption in NY politics is DISGUSTING!!!!" UFC and several New York Assembly members thought the bill would receive the necessary 76 votes to pass the Assembly if given a chance. Under current legislation, amateur MMA is legal in New York but does not fall under the jurisdiction of the state athletic commission -- meaning all MMA taking place in the state is unsanctioned. New York is the only state in the U.S. that bans professional MMA. Another sad day for fight fans in the Northeast. |
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