New York Senate again backs legalizing mixed martial arts
ALBANY— The New York Senate voted on Tuesday for the fifth straight year for legalizing professional mixed martial arts and ending the state’s position as the last one to prohibit the sport.
The Senate bill, approved 47-14, would authorize the New York State Athletic Commission to regulate MMA as it does professional boxing. The bill would have to be passed by the Assembly and then signed by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has indicated he supports it.
With MMA star Ronda Rousey in Albany on Monday and Tuesday lobbying for its passage, supporters in the Democrat-controlled Assembly said they believe momentum is building.