Mixed Martial Arts has been banned in New York since a state law was passed in 1997.
The UFC in particular has invested large amounts in lobbying to have that law overturned. There is definite support for the legalistation of MMA in the state but one major obstacle has stood in the way of this happening, the speaker of the New York assembly, Sheldon Silver.
Silver, who has been speaker for over 20 years, has prevented a vote on a bill for the legalisation of the sport being held over recent years. Today though, there is big news for promoters who would like to operate in the state. The New York Times reports that Silver is expected to be arrested on corruption charges.
The possibility of a UFC event being held in Madison Square Garden one day just became a lot more likely.
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
