New York is about to legalize MMA, says North American newspaper

UFC will finally be able to fulfill an old dream of organizing an event in New York. Photo: Disclosure

After years and years of negotiations and meetings, MMA may finally be close to becoming legal in the North American state of New York. According to the New York Post, the historic decision could be taken very soon, after a meeting earlier this week in Albany, the state capital.

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The UFC women's bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey, will meet this Monday and Tuesday, 23rd and 24th, with the governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, and state deputies to make LOBBY for the legalization of the sport in the state – which, obviously, would include the possibility of holding MMA events in New York City, a long-time desire of the UFC.

According to Steve Greenberg, Ultimate spokesperson, the expectation is that Rousey will be able to convince the politicians in the assembly, especially the women, that the sport is not something barbaric and violent. Thus, the newspaper cites a source close to the negotiations, who considers that the moment is “very close” to resulting in the legalization of MMA in the state.

New York is the last North American state that still has legal restrictions on MMA. The UFC had already shown confidence that the blockade would lift, having even scheduled an event at the Madison Square Garden gym for the end of the year.

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