MMA Shunned In New York Yet Again, Bill Sinks Before Legislature
The year 2015 seemed to be the perfect time for New York to legalize the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the state. Spokesmen for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) were optimistic about the bill’s chances of being passed. Even UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta promised big things had the sport of MMA been legalized in NY this year.
Unfortunately the same result as years prior holds true today (June 25, 2015). Despite the lead opponent of legalizing MMA, Sheldon Silver being arrested earlier this year, the sport still has major hurdles to overcome.
New York based MMA reporter Jim Genia first broke the news on Twitter (via Bloody Elbow):
“Okay folks, I’m hearing the battle for the NY MMA bill is over. I’ll give you details when I get them.”
MMA legal expert Michael Kim followed up Genia’s report with a confirmation:
“Can add from my sources that Jim Genia’s report that NY MMA in 2015 is dead is true.”
Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle told Politics on The Hudson that he faced obstacles that were just too great to get the number of votes required:
“My big challenge today is that a number of members who are counted as supporters were just unavailable today because of the scheduling, that we weren’t expected to be here this long. And it’s really complicated efforts to get to 76. I think it’s looking less likely as the day wears on.”
The planned middleweight title bout between champion Chris Weidman (13-0) and Luke Rockhold (14-2) will have to take place in another venue as Madison Square Garden is obviously a no-go. Guess there’s always New Jersey.
