UFC
UFC Champ Ronda Rousey to speak to New York lawmakers this week, MMA legalization getting closer in the state
Mar 23, 2015 - 1:05:53 PM UFC Champ Ronda Rousey to speak to New York lawmakers this week, MMA legalization getting closer in the state

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

The UFC's push to get MMA legalized in New York state is continuing this week, and it may yet come to fruition this year.

UFC Women's Bantaweight Champion Ronda Rousey is heading to Albany today and tomorrow to speak with lawmakers in the state about the latest proposed legislation to legalize the sport.

"I really want to make this a priority during my visit to New York," Rousey said in comments made to the New York Daily News. "It's pretty much ridiculous that MMA is not regulated here."

Bills to legalize the sport have come up short in the assembly year after year, with former speaker Sheldon Silver refusing to bring them to the floor for a vote. However, Silver's now out of power in the assembly after an arrest and indictment on corruption charges.

Additionally, Governer Andrew Cuomo may put the sport in the state's budget as well, with the New York Post reporting that Cuomo and lawmakers in the state could potentially fast-track legalization of the sport.

"I'd be surprised if the bill wouldn't pass this year," Rousey commented. "I have a huge sense of optimism this year."

Penick's Analysis: It'll be great for the UFC to finally get in to the state, but while it could make for some big events and some exciting fights for the fans there, it's still simply something that should have been available years ago. The commission there is hardly exemplary, and just because they'll be able to oversee MMA doesn't mean they'll do it effectively. Regardless, the sport should not be illegal in the state, so hopefully the now archaic ban will be overturned.