UFC schedules event in New York in April 2016

UFC dreams of holding an event at Madison Square Garden (photo). Photo: Disclosure

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The UFC has not given up on its dream of holding one of its events in New York City. According to a statement sent to the press this Monday (28), the organization stated that it reserved the Madison Square Garden gym for April 23, 2016, despite MMA still being banned in the state.

To get the plans off the ground, the UFC carried out a series of measures. The first, in August, was an appeal to the Court of Appeals arguing that the ban on MMA in New York violates the rights of athletes and fans. This week, the UFC started a new case in court, stating that the ban is unconstitutional.

“We believe that fans have waited too long to experience UFC events up close in the state of New York. We are excited to be able to announce our first event at Madison Square Garden. Professional MMA is legal across the planet and the time has come for New York to follow this trend,” said Lawrence Epstein, UFC chief of operations.

This year, the UFC was confident that MMA would be legalized in New York, also reserving Madison Square Garden for December. However, the bill that would legalize the sport did not pass through the State Legislative Assembly, which frustrated Ultimate's plans. According to the organization's president, Dana White, the intention was for the event to feature a duel between New Yorkers Jon Jones e Chris Weidman.