Lorenzo Fertitta Promises Big Things If MMA Is Legalized In New York

Since the ban of mixed martial arts in New York during the 90’s, the UFC has tried rigorously to get their sport legalized in the Empire State, and now in 2015, they may be closer than ever. Recently, New York assembly man Sheldon Silver, who many consider to be the main force against the legalization of MMA in New York, was investigated and arrested, leaving a possible door open for the UFC.

The Business Council of New York State has also reportedly offered their backing of the idea of legalizing MMA in the Empire State, giving the UFC even more hope. A huge reason why New York would want to legalize the sport is due to the massive economic income they would earn from events.

Well, to entice New York even more, UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta released a statement today (March 12, 2015) to MMAFighting, saying that if the sport is legalized in the Empire State, the UFC is prepared to put on huge events for multiple years, which just screams dollar signs for New York’s economy:

“I’ve said it before but I want to say it again to be clear,” Fertitta stated. “The UFC is prepared to demonstrate its commitment to our New York fans, who’ve waited longer for legal professional MMA than our fans in any of the other 49 states. We are prepared to launch the most intense and epic series of major events over the next three years that the Empire State has ever seen.”

The Business Council also released a statement noting what the UFC has been saying for years, that the legalization of MMA in New York will prove to be of economic success:

“With Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) being one of the fastest growing and popular sports in the United States,” the Business Council stated, “this legislation would help will bring much needed economic activity to New York’s sports and entertainment venues, hospitality industry and generate additional revenues for the State and local governments.”

Continuing to add to his list of promises, Fertitta dished out a few more goals for New York. If legalization indeed goes through, Fertitta promises that the UFC will hold at least four events in New York over the next three years, hold events in New York City, and crush attendance records for upstate New York venues:

“If New York legalizes and properly regulates MMA in 2015, the UFC will hold a minimum of four events per year for the next three years,” Fertitta said. “Yes, we will hold events in New York City – our fighters and our fans have been clamoring for the Garden and the new Barclays Center – but we are also looking forward to hosting at least three events annually in Upstate cities, where we will smash local box office records and bring in fans from Canada and states throughout the Northeast.”

The UFC CEO is definitely playing his part, but will it actually work this time? Is 2015 the year that the UFC finally comes to Madison Square Garden and New York?