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The UFC will likely make a long awaited debut in yet another major U.S. market in 2010, as the state of Massachusetts will now regulate the sport of mixed martial arts.
On Monday, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed a bill into law that will regulate the sport. The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the bill just a month ago.
The state regulation means the UFC will look to bring an event to the city that UFC President Dana White called home, Boston. While he mentioned wanting to put on an event at Fenway Park, it's likely the UFC will venture to the TD BankNorth Garden for their debut in Beantown.
White reacted to the signing on his Twitter account Monday, posting "Here we come Boston!!! NY is next!!! Outstanding news."
Step one is finished, now fans in Boston will keep an eye out for the UFC to announce a date and official location for an event sometime next year.
Penick's Analysis: This is a great step for the sport, and New York remains as the next major market state to not have MMA regulation that will get lots of attention throughout the next year until they pass regulation themselves. Boston is likely to get a major card, one that the UFC will probably stack to the brim with White's ties there, along with the business they can do in that area. This is nothing but good for the UFC and the sport, and I look forward to what the UFC puts together for the state.
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