The big news in the MMA world this week is that finally, after a frustrating amount of attempts, the New York state assembly has passed a bill that will allow MMA events to be regulated and hosted in the state, something which had not been possible since the sport was made illegal back in 1997.
We imagine that some of the bafflingly stupid arguments used against MMA in the state assembly by those who wanted the sport to remain banned eventually helped overturn the decision, and many fighters and fans have been celebrating the news across social media.
You can rest assured that Dana White is already working on getting a UFC event up and running in Madison Square Garden, so with that in mind we've had a speculative look at some of the fights that would make such an event an unforgettable night.
Conor McGregor Vs Frankie Edgar
New Jersey native Frankie Edgar has fought in his home town before, but the short trip to MSG for a featherweight title fight with Conor McGregor would make for a spectacle he has never experienced before.
Wow long time coming! Better late than never! #Repost @ufc with repostapp.
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Thank You NY… https://t.co/0F9VA1vuDE— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) March 22, 2016
Irish fans would go full 'Giants Stadium 94', and Frankie would have crazy support too. This would be an amazing way to welcome MMA back to NYC.
Jon Jones Vs Anthony Johnson
Regardless of what happens when Jon Jones takes on Daniel Cormier for the light-heavyweight title at UFC 197, seeing Rochester NY's favourite son throw down with Anthony Johnson in Madison Square Garden would be incredible.
Mma is legit now!
— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) March 22, 2016
As a title fight, or contender fight, this one works. 'Rumble' has never had a crack at Jonny Bones, and would be a huge underdog in Jones' backyard, but it would make for compelling viewing.
Chris Weidman Vs Jacare Souza
Hailing from Baldwin, New York, Chris Weidman was one of the first to express his delight at the news that MMA had been legalised in his home state.
I've waited a long time for today and couldn't be more excited to have MMA legal in my hometown of New York!! pic.twitter.com/uoxIpPbcQ4
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) March 22, 2016
Unfortunately the news came too late for Weidman Vs Rockhold 2, so a fight with Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza would be what we want to see if he can get past Vitor Belfort first, of course.
Ronda Rousey Vs Holly Holm
Neither of them have the strongest ties to New York, but putting this huge fight on the first MSG card would go some way to showing how far women's MMA has come in recent years.
It has to happen eventually, and considering how high profile the first fight was, the bright lights of New York City would be focused on take two.
CM Punk Vs Anyone
During his time with the WWE, CM Punk became synonimous with Madison Square Garden. While obviously it wouldn't be a headliner, it would be great to see Punk's debut in NYC.
Back to @TheGarden then!
— Coach (@CMPunk) March 22, 2016
Whether it's against Mickey Gall or someone else, there is no more fitting location to give the world a look at what CM Punk can do in the Octagon.
Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta, it's over to you.
