“Professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is the fastest growing sport in the world,” Brabenec said. “It is remarkable that the Assembly took this long to pass a bill legalizing this sport when every other state in the nation already allows it. The Senate has passed MMA every year for the better part of a decade and I am glad to see that the Assembly has finally answered the call. Most importantly, we’re legalizing the safe, well-regulated protections that these athletes must have.

“I sponsor this bill because MMA has the potential for thousands of new jobs, millions in additional revenue and the ability for iconic arenas like Madison Square Garden to market worldwide stars and expand their operations. I look forward to witnessing MMA’s growth in our state and bringing high-profile, profitable events to our area as well as the jobs that come with it.”