“Fighters, are you ready? Let’s get it on!”
Gov. Paterson unveiled an emergency-budget bill yesterday that includes a measure legalizing the anything-goes sport of mixed martial arts.
The fights — now sanctioned in more than 40 states, with a huge fan base on pay-per-view and cable TV — include punches, kicks, slams and elbow and knee strikes.
The governor says sanctioning the fights would generate at least $2 million a year in tax revenues, and spur millions more in economic activity for hotels and other businesses.
Supporters include Madison Square Garden. “We anxiously await the sanctioning of MMA in New York, and feel it will be an outstanding addition to our calendar of events,” said Scott O’Neil, president of MSG Sports.
Julie Wood, a spokeswoman for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, applauded Paterson’s move, saying it “would give the state the chance to enjoy millions of dollars in economic development.”
Last week, the state Senate voted by 32-26 to legalize mixed martial arts as a regulated sport. Sen. Bill Larkin (R-Cornwall) voted no, saying “we should be ashamed of ourselves as a legislative body” for OK’ing an activity he compared to a hoodlum training program.