Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) today called on Assembly leadership to bring a bill to the floor for a vote that would legalize and regulate professional mixed martial arts (MMA) in New York State. Assembly Bill 2604, which McDonough sponsors, is a bi-partisan effort that hopes to be voted on in the Senate today.

“Every other state in the nation has a system to regulate and gain revenue from mixed martial arts,” McDonough said. “The sport is growing extremely quickly, and its high-profile events generate millions of dollars in revenue that could be used right here in New York to offset taxes or create jobs. Amateur mixed martial arts are currently legal in New York, and this legislation would allow us to ensure the safety of athletes, properly train referees, and generate millions of dollars in state revenue through licensing, box office sales, and pay-per-view events.”

The legislation is being carried by Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle (D-Rochester) and Sen. Joe Griffo (R,C,I-Rome). Previous attempts at legalizing professional MMA were blocked by besmirched former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, but recent lobbying efforts by MMA star Ronda Rousey in Albany have proponents feeling optimistic.