The fight to legalize mixed martial arts in New York — the last state to prohibit cage matches with small gloves — has resumed with a state Senate committee advancing legislation.
The Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation has voted 4-2 to approve the bill to give the New York State Athletic Commission authority to regulate the sport as it does professional boxing.
The bill’s sponsor, Oneida County Republican Sen. Joe Griffo, predicts it will pass the Senate again easily.
Sen. Brad Hoylman, a Manhattan Democrat who voted against it in committee, cites concerns about brain injuries and proposes legislation to establish a compensation fund for fighters.
Meanwhile, backers are lobbying the new Assembly leader in an effort to break that chamber's hold on the bill.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
