Sanctioned MMA Bouts One Step Closer to Reality in NYS

The State Senate passed legislation to legalize and regulate mixed martial arts competitions in the state.

The new legislation would allow single discipline martial arts organizations to hold professional competitions in New York State and gives the State Athletic Commission the jurisdiction to regulate professional mixed martial arts promotions, participants, bouts and exhibitions.

The sport has the fastest growing fan base of any in the world.

In America, 47 states allow MMA matches, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California and Florida.

The most notable of the professional MMA leagues, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, is also the most-heavily regulated. Since 2001, UFC has employed strenuous rules and regulations to protect its athletes, including medical testing and safety requirements more rigorous than those in professional boxing.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.