The New York State Assembly voted Tuesday to legalize mixed martial arts. The vote lifts a ban enacted in 1997.
Tuesday’s vote was overwhelming 113-25 in favor of overturning the sport’s ban, according to USA Today.
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The legalization of MMA fights in New York could bring a lot of money to the state and MMA organizations like UFC and Bellator.
Thank You NY State Legislature for making MMA in New York a reality! #MMA4NY pic.twitter.com/5fBCsu1nLZ
— UFC (@ufc) March 22, 2016
The bill, which the State Senate had passed in each of the last seven years, goes to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo for his signature. Cuomo is expected to sign the bill after including MMA revenue in his executive budget proposal earlier this year, according to Newsday. Should Cuomo not sign the bill within 10 days of it being sent to him, it automatically will take effect after the 10th day.
"I do support MMA because it is an economic generator," Cuomo said Tuesday during a political event in Niagara Falls. The governor added MMA organizers are committed to staging bouts "in areas that would bring people from out of state into New York."
New York had been the only state to ban the sport. UFC chairman Lorenzo Fertitta said in a statement Tuesday's vote was "a long time coming."
"On behalf of our New York UFC athletes and fans," Fertitta wrote, "I want to offer heartfelt thanks to Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Morelle and all the Members of the Assembly — Democrats and Republicans — who voted for this bill."