“Last year, I came out in support of the Mixed Martial Arts legislation that was before the Assembly that would require amateur bouts to operate – like amateur boxing – under the auspices of a sanctioning body approved by the New York State Athletic Commission. I am pleased to see that the governor looked to this piece of legislation and adopted its recommendations when crafting his budget proposal this year.

“There is a great deal to be gained by legalizing professional MMA and properly regulating amateur MMA in New York State when common-sense protective reforms are included. I will work with my colleagues in the Legislature to make sure this proposal is included in the final budget.”