The failure of MMA to become legal in New York has a well documented history. Every year it seems, the UFC watches as legalization efforts get pushed to the brink of completion, only to fall apart at the last minute. Another year of big hopes, another year of dashed dreams. But this year things are going to be different... maybe... hopefully. The recent indictment of former New York Assembly Speaker (and strong anti-MMA advocate) Sheldon Silver on federal corruption charges has breathed new life into the hopes of finally getting an MMA bill passed.
To help the process along, the UFC has sent Ronda Rousey to the state capital, in Albany, to speak on behalf of their sport. During her trip (which is set to include appearances on "The View" and "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon"), Rousey was interviewed by the NY Daily News:
"I really want to make this a priority during my visit to New York," she told the Daily News Sunday in a phone interview. "It's pretty much ridiculous that MMA is not regulated here."
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"I'd be surprised if the bill wouldn't pass this year," Rousey, 28, said. "I have a huge sense of optimism this year."
Rousey also responded to criticism that the UFC is anti-woman and anti-gay, telling reporters that, "It's entirely the opposite," and that "There's a revolution happening in women's sports just because of the UFC." She is hoping to meet with Assembly opposition leaders while there, as well, but those meetings have yet to be confirmed.
It appears the UFC is banking pretty seriously on the idea that this year's efforts will be successful, as they've already reserved a date around Christmas for a show at Madison Square Garden. Maybe it really is the year they've been looking for.