After an almost 20-year ban, mixed martial arts has finally been legalised in the state of New York.
The state became the last in America to legalise the sport after New York's State Assembly voted to overturn the sport's ban by 113-25. That means that there may be UFC events in Madison Square Garden and other arenas in New York before the end of the year.
😀 pic.twitter.com/CRtAlvCXnO
— Dana White (@danawhite) March 22, 2016
Tuesday's historic decision will go a long way to legitimising the sport in America. Madison Square Garden remains one of the most iconic fighting arenas in the World but has never hosted an event.
The UFC have held 17 events in New Jersey, including one in Newark, New Jersey in January. That arena is around 15 miles away from Manhattan, but mixed martial arts has never been able to break that New York border.
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman is a New York native and has been one of the most vocal in trying to legalise the sport in the state. He was delighted with the news.
What a great day! Stand up MMA fighters, ppl who train MMA, fans and everyone that supports us in NY! We are finally Legal! 🙌😎 #feelsgood
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) March 23, 2016
MMA's legalisation may be potentially good news for Irish fans. Conor McGregor has previously stated his wishes fight on America's east coast. The Dubliner would certainly be one of the few fighters who could headline an event in New York.
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