NY Gov. Cuomo warming to MMA, but AG backslides
Gov. Cuomo, whose own style has been equated at times to cage match fighting, seems to be warming to the…
Gov. Cuomo, whose own style has been equated at times to cage match fighting, seems to be warming to the idea of legalizing mixed martial arts in New York.
“I think it’s making progress and it’s something we’re looking at as a possible source of revenue, and we are all about looking for revenue in this state,” Cuomo told reporters at a Westchester County appearance today.
“So if we can bring economic activity in — shows, etc. — that’s something we’re very interested in and we’re reviewing the current proposals.”
Cuomo in the past has shown little enthusiasm toward legalizing the sport in New York.
The state Senate yesterday again passed a bill to do just that.
However, the move to regulate MMA in New York took a step back when the New York Attorney General cancelled discussions with the UFC. Ariel Helwani has the news.
Ariel Helwani @arielhelwani
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is greatly disappointed that the settlement conference scheduled today before the Federal Court has been cancelled because the New York Attorney General is no longer willing to discuss a settlement consistent with the position his Office has repeatedly taken in Court.
The Attorney General has once again changed his position on the meaning of the MMA ban in New York and we will vigorously urge the Federal Court to decide that the ban is unconstitutional.”
It’s all about the Assembly vote.
@LeoFromJersey
what does this mean man, it’s a fail?
Ariel Helwani @arielhelwani
No, just that avenue, as expected, hit a roadblock. That was a hail mary, IMO. RT
@dojopowerson
So, we have to wait until next year?
Ariel Helwani @arielhelwani
No, there’s still hope with the Assembly, which was the way they wanted to go. RT
