New York state passes bill to legalize MMA

New York's state assembly has legalized mixed martial arts fighting as a bill has passed to end the ban on the sport.

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New York’s state assembly has legalized mixed martial arts fighting as a bill has passed to end the ban on the sport.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is expected to enact the bill into law. The New York State Athletic Commission will then set regulations for the sport in the state. Fights could begin as soon as the fourth quarter of 2016.

Thank You NY State Legislature for making MMA in New York a reality! #MMA4NY pic.twitter.com/5fBCsu1nLZ

— UFC (@ufc) March 22, 2016

After several years of debate among members of the Senate, New York will no longer be the only state prohibiting MMA.

MMA fights are expected to generate $135 million a year for the state's coffers, according to a 2013 study by UFC.

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Madison Square Garden is among the arenas that are mentioned by the bill's sponsors as potential host sites for competition.

Any pending lawsuits against the state for banning mixed martial arts would be ended after the bill is passed.