Shortly after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation that ended the ban on mixed martial arts in New York, UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta confirmed an event is scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 12 — the 23rd anniversary of UFC 1.
Further details are awaited regarding the November event, but it's likely to feature the return of Ronda Rousey, who attended Thursday's signing.
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#MMA2NY is OFFICIAL!!! pic.twitter.com/qY86hnszy6
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2016
"If Ronda Rousey fought here in November, that would be a hell of an event," Cuomo said, via the New York Daily News.
Rousey called Thursday "a dream come true," saying Madison Square Garden is the "pinnacle of professional sports."
The New York State Assembly voted to lift the state's ban on the sport last month, and Cuomo recognized MMA as a possible "economic generator."
"MMA has really captured the imagination as a sport. ... We're excited that growth is going to come to New York," he said Thursday. "The economics of the sport are undeniable."
Other UFC figures in attendance included Chris Weidman and Aljamain Sterling.
At #MSG with the boss and a couple of badasses!!! #Major 🔑 to @UFC success, is fighting at The Garden!! #AnotherOne ! pic.twitter.com/wyj837LOXe
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) April 14, 2016
Big plans are in the works for UFC 200, a milestone fight card in Las Vegas that will include a rematch of Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz.