Proponents of mixed martial arts are making their annual push to have the sport legalized in New York.
Surrounded by state lawmakers Tuesday, former mixed martial arts champion and Long Island native Chris Weidman said he wants his title back and wants to fight in New York, where the sport is currently banned for professionals.
Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle says his chamber getting ``very close'' to having enough votes to pass legislation to regulate the sport.
"And I think the proposal that we've worked on would provide the safest environment for people to participate in boxing, judo, mixed martial arts, and professional karate - all of those so-called combative sports - would find that the athletes would be better protected under our proposal than any other place in America."
Critics say the mix of boxing, wrestling, kick boxing and jiu-jitsu is too violent. Several MMA athletes have died from head injuries sustained in bouts.
Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee introduced a bill last year that would place a two-year moratorium on the sport until the state health Department studies its long-term health impacts.
Morelle and other supporters believe professional mixed martial arts bouts would be good for New York's economy, and Morelle believes legalization of the sport in New York would make it safer nationally.
"Perhaps people might be as interested in bouts in a smaller state, but New York is one of those that will, if we can do this, help other states conform to the safety precautions we put in place, so it would make it a safer sport."
Jeff Calkins, General Manager of the Blue Cross Arena, said, “We can’t wait to show off all that Rochester and Monroe County have to offer when the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) finally comes to the Blue Cross Arena. Between our local fans and those that will travel here, it will be a boon for local restaurants, hotels and businesses.”
Mixed martial arts is legal in every state except New York.
