We won't be seeing any big shows in Madison Square Garden anytime soon :
A measure to legalize Mixed Martial Arts, AKA Ultimate Fighting, or Cage Fighting, is apparently down for the count in the Assembly Tourism committee after it looked like it didn’t have enough votes to move forward this afternoon.
Among those taking credit for the knockout was Assemblyman Bob Reilly, D-Colonie who argued that the state shouldn’t sanction a sport characterized larely by its brutality.
“We ban cockfighting and dog fighting — should we allow humans to enter a cage to knee, kick, and punch each other?” asked Reilly.
Last week Reilly had expressed concern that the measure might pass, given the big money and lobbying pressure involved here. But ultimately, the argument against it prevailed.
Ultimate Fighting Championship, the organization that promotes such activities, has been lobbying to get in New York since 2001.
It’s currently illegal in over 20 states, including New York, said Reilly.
MMA fans in New York are encouraged to contact Assemblyman Reilly and let him know what you think, do be polite and articulate:
DISTRICT OFFICE
3 Halfmoon Executive Park Drive
Clifton Park, NY 12065
518-371-0568
ALBANY OFFICE
LOB 452
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5931