MMA Finally Legal in NY: Governor Cuomo Signs Bill Into Law, Making the Empire State Last to Do So

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, center, hands out souvenir pens after signing into law a measure that will allow professional mixed martial arts in New York, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Behind him are UFC athletes Chris Weidman, left, and Ronda Rousey, and James Dolan, executive chairman of Madison Square Garden. New York was the last U.S. state to prohibit the bouts. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

By Dave Martin

Dave Martin

Dave Martin is a New-York based writer as well as editor. He is the sports editor for the Epoch Times and is a consultant to private writers.

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April 14, 2016Updated: April 14, 2016

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Mixed martial arts (MMA) is now officially legal in the state of New York after Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law Thursday in a ceremony at Madison Square Garden.

Former UFC champions Ronda Rousey and Chris Weidman were both on hand at the event as Cuomo signed the bill.

Video: Governor Cuomo signs bill for #MMA in #NewYork.#UFC205 planned for MSG Nov. 12https://t.co/FR8DxhufwK #UFC pic.twitter.com/DeOtF2lz3T

— The People’s MMA (@ThePeoplesMMA) April 14, 2016

Nearly 20 years ago—1997—then-Governor George Pataki banned the relatively new sport. In the nearly two decades since, many regulations have helped spread the sport. The state of New York was the final holdout—until Thursday. The bill passed 113–25 in the state assembly in March.

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“Welcome to New York, we’re glad to have you,” Cuomo said at the signing.

Video: Governor Andrew Cuomo signs MMA into law, UFC announces Nov. 12 debut in New York https://t.co/wmzk0yOgr5 pic.twitter.com/c25qSGqX9k

— UFC World (@UFCWorldNews) April 14, 2016

With the sport now legal, the NY State Athletic Commission has 120 days to ratify a set of rules governing the sport in the state before promoters can start booking shows.

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UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta said, at the signing, that the first card back in New York will be on Nov. 12 at Madison Square Garden.

New York State Joins The Rest Of The Country And Legalizes MMA https://t.co/2jd6SqAWvT pic.twitter.com/yFhzG5WAJR

— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) April 14, 2016

A couple well-known UFC fighters are from the New York area, such as former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and former middleweight champion Chris Weidman.