Politics & Government
N.Y. Assembly Finally Votes To Legalize MMA
Legislation will create hundreds of jobs and bring $70M to New York economy while ensuring sport is carefully regulated.
Assemblyman Lupinacci meets with MMA champion and constituent Chris Weidman, of Dix Hills, earlier this year in Albany.
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Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I-South Huntington) is proud to announce the passage of Mixed Martial Arts in the New York State Assembly. The legalization of MMA will generate nearly $70 million in annual spending and create 525 permanent jobs across the state. It will also allow the New York State Athletic Commission to regulate events and ensure they are conducted properly and with adequate safety measures.
“I am thrilled that the Assembly has finally passed legislation to bring this highly skilled sport to the arenas and venues across New York State,” said Lupinacci, who co-sponsored Assembly Bill 2604-C. “There are many fighters native to New York who have been forced to leave the state to pursue their dream of competing professionally. Legalization will allow them to stay in their hometowns and compete in front of their families and friends.”
New York will see economic benefits with the creation of jobs as a result of legalizing MMA. This, along with regulating the sport and making it safe for participants, is a positive for all parties involved.
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New York is the only state in the country to prohibit professional mixed martial arts fighting. Legalizing MMA will allow famous arenas such as Madison Square Garden to host organizations such as the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and bring its supporters from across the globe to the state.
“The Assembly Minority Conference and I have been pushing this legislation for years,” Lupinacci said. “I am excited to attend some of these contests along with my fellow New Yorkers and view the skill and technique of these fighters live. I am also pleased to have the New York State Athletic Commission overseeing this sport and ensuring that the fighters are all well protected.”
