ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York has ended its ban on professional mixed martial arts with Gov. Andrew Cuomo signing a law putting the State Athletic Commission in charge of it.
Cuomo said Thursday at a signing ceremony at Madison Square Garden that the fights will boost the economy.
The Garden is a potentially lucrative venue for big promotions like Ultimate Fighting Championship, which plans to hold an event there Nov. 12.
The law takes effect in September, giving the commission time to add two members, adopt regulations, train staff and start licensing promoters, trainers and fighters.
The commission already regulates pro boxing. The law also brings amateur MMA, operating unregulated in New York, under state jurisdiction.
The sport's violence drew opposition from some lawmakers. The law requires increased medical coverage for professional fighters in New York.
