Members of the Erie County Legislature have joined elected officials across New York State who support legalizing Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) to allow this popular full-contact combat sport to host professional contests within the state. Currently, New York is the only state in the nation that bans professional MMA. To read the resolution, please CLICK HERE.
“The ban on MMA is outdated and New York should join the rest of the country in legalizing the sport. Every other state allows professional MMA, which in turn requires that regulations and safety precautions be met. By allowing MMA contests, states have greatly benefitted from the huge draw to this sport. Thousands of people pack arenas to see the best in the sport compete as safely as possible,” said Legislator Lynne Dixon.
Erie County approved a resolution (9-2) during the April 16, 2015 session. The resolution requests the State Assembly and Governor approve legislation to lift the ban as soon as possible.
“If MMA were legalized, the economic impact for Western New York would be considerable. Some estimates predict that $135 million in economic activity could be created across New York State annually,” said Legislator Ted Morton. “Extensive polling has shown that a majority of New Yorkers support legalizing MMA, and attempts to lift the ban have received bipartisan support in both the Assembly and Senate. Erie County encourages state leaders to revisit the issue and consider the significant economic benefits that legalizing this sport would bring to our state.”
MMA representatives have appealed to state lawmakers for at least six years to lift the ban, however despite repeated passage in the Senate, the Assembly has not passed a bill legalizing MMA in NYS. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has stated he would support lifting the ban.
“In recent years, Buffalo’s tourism has grown and I have heard a lot of interest in hosting MMA events here if Western New York if the state would allow it. The sport’s popularity has grown rapidly, both locally and nationally. Legalizing MMA would be a boost for sporting tourism in Buffalo, resulting in job creation, and increased retail, hospitality and dining sales,” said Legislator Edward A. Rath, III, who is also a board member for Visit Buffalo Niagara.
Representatives who have lobbied in Albany have stated that because MMA is not regulated in NYS, it makes it very dangerous. Amateur MMA is legal but lacks critical regulations and oversight to make it safe.
A.J. Verel, chairman of Martial Arts/MMA Hall of Fame, supports the County Legislature’s action today.
"I strongly support the legalization of mixed martial arts in New York State. Our organization has and will continue to advocate for the New York State government to pass a comprehensive bill that will protect both the athletes and the local economy, as well as the integrity of the sport as a whole by creating a structure for the oversight of amateur MMA similar to that of USA boxing. We feel this will guide the athletes’ career from amateur into that of a professional in the safest way possible,” said Verel, a former World Champion and Hall of Fame Inductee.