Senate Passes Bill Legalizing Mixed Martial Arts in New York

The New York State Senate today passed legislation for the sixth consecutive year to legalize and regulate mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions in New York, removing a 1997 statewide ban on the sport. The bill (S2159), sponsored by Senator Joseph Griffo (R-C-I, Rome), would authorize professional competitions in New York State and give the State Athletic Commission jurisdiction to regulate professional mixed martial arts promotions, participants, bouts, and exhibitions. 

Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos said, “The Senate has again acted to strengthen our economy and create jobs by legalizing and regulating mixed martial arts in New York. It’s time for the Assembly to finally take up this important bill so that New York can join every other state in recognizing the economic potential of MMA events.”

Senator Griffo has repeatedly called to lift the ban on professional mixed martial arts events. He said, “Mixed martial arts has so much to offer our state – for the fans, for the local economies that would get a boost from these revenue-generating events in their cities, and for the up-and-coming fighters who would now have the chance to compete in professional bouts in their own state.” 

New York is the only state in the nation that prohibits professional MMA events. The sport continues to grow in popularity in the state due to amateur bouts and an increase in the number of MMA competitors hailing from New York. 

The Senate has led the bipartisan efforts to bring MMA to New York by passing legislation each year since 2010. Legalizing MMA was also part of the Senate’s 2015-16 budget resolution. In the past, the Assembly has refused to put the bill to a vote, despite studies that have projected significant economic benefits. 

A 2013 study reported that legalizing professional MMA would potentially generate $68 million annually in New York from MMA events, $33 million of which would be generated in upstate cities. In addition, training centers could generate $67 million each year from operations, for a total of $135 million in economic activity annually in the state. 

Today’s bill would help ensure the safety and welfare of professional combative sports participants by establishing the New York State Athletic Commission as the recognized authority to properly regulate bouts. Participants would be required to undergo a comprehensive physical examination, including a clinical neurological and neurophysical exam, in order to obtain or renew a license from the State Athletic Commission.

“Allowing the New York State Athletic Commission to regulate these MMA matches would offer the best possible setting, experience, and safety for fighters and fans alike,” Senator Griffo said.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.