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NYS Senate approves MMA legislation
Updated: Wednesday, March 6 2013, 09:03 PM EST
ALBANY -- The New York State Senate passed legislation on Wednesday to legalize and regulate mixed martial arts competitions in New York.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Joseph Griffo of Rome, would allow competitions in New York State, as well as give the state's Athletic Commission the authority to regulate professional MMA promotions, participants, bouts, and exhibitions. Griffo said that legalization will bring jobs and stimulate the economy.
"The popularity of the sport and increased number of MMA competitors hailing from New York has inspired unregulated amateur bouts throughout the state," Griffo said. "We'd be better served to have the State Athletic Commission as the recognized authority to properly regulate bouts. Right now, New York-based fighters are unable to participate in bouts in their home state, but can travel to nearly every other state to do so."
MMA fighters were happy that the bill passed in the Senate.
"Everything I do in MMA is pretty much what I did in the Olympics for judo," said Ronda Rousey, the UFC Women's World Champion, who was in Albany on Wednesday. "When I was in the Olympics, everyone applauded me for it. I do it in a different outfit and somehow it's demonized. It doesn't really make any sense to me and it's sad I can't share something I worked so hard for."
The bill will now be sent to the Assembly for approval.
Updated: Wednesday, March 6 2013, 09:03 PM EST
ALBANY -- The New York State Senate passed legislation on Wednesday to legalize and regulate mixed martial arts competitions in New York.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Joseph Griffo of Rome, would allow competitions in New York State, as well as give the state's Athletic Commission the authority to regulate professional MMA promotions, participants, bouts, and exhibitions. Griffo said that legalization will bring jobs and stimulate the economy.
"The popularity of the sport and increased number of MMA competitors hailing from New York has inspired unregulated amateur bouts throughout the state," Griffo said. "We'd be better served to have the State Athletic Commission as the recognized authority to properly regulate bouts. Right now, New York-based fighters are unable to participate in bouts in their home state, but can travel to nearly every other state to do so."
MMA fighters were happy that the bill passed in the Senate.
"Everything I do in MMA is pretty much what I did in the Olympics for judo," said Ronda Rousey, the UFC Women's World Champion, who was in Albany on Wednesday. "When I was in the Olympics, everyone applauded me for it. I do it in a different outfit and somehow it's demonized. It doesn't really make any sense to me and it's sad I can't share something I worked so hard for."
The bill will now be sent to the Assembly for approval.
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