UFC News 2016: CEO Lorenzo Fertitta Already Planning Two Fights In New York After State Finally Legalizes MMA
As soon as the bill that stipulates the legalization of mixed martial arts in the state of New York was passed, the UFC wasted no time in revealing their matchmaking plans.
After a 19-year ban, the New York State Assembly decided to pass the bill to legalize MMA on Tuesday, with a vote of 113-25.
Upon the bill's passing, the last requirement would be the signature of Governor Andrew Cuomo to officially turn it into a law. Upon the signing of the bill, New York State Athletic Commission will be given 120 days to come up with the rules and regulations for the sport, which was banned in 1997, mainly due to its "barbaric" and "inhumane" nature.
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Back then, MMA took on a "no rules, no holds barred" approach, prompting the likes of Senator John McCain to impose a ban. But now that the sport has been made legal in what is considered as the capital of the world, the UFC is already making big plans for fight fans of the state.
In a report by Marc Raimondi for MMA Fighting, UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta is expecting to hold two shows in New York before 2016 ends.
"We're confident we'll be able to get dates that work, but a few things still need to play out before we're actually able to do it," he said.
The UFC has been one of the major players in lobbying the legalization of MMA in New York. They were, however, met with disappointment over the last few years of rejections and going back to square one. Which is why Fertitta promised to deliver big time, in terms of holding their events in the Empire State.
"You'll have the biggest names that we can possibly put on, the biggest names that are available at the time," Fertitta said. "Believe me, we want to knock it out of the park and we want to deliver for New York in a big way."
Fertitta adds that he is already planning to include former middleweight champion and New York native Chris Weidman in their first event.
