Former mixed martial arts champion Chris Weidman wants his title back and wants to fight in New York, where the sport is banned.
Surrounded by lawmakers Tuesday, the Long Island native says he'd like to fight in Madison Square Garden, a short train ride away for fans and fellow fighters who train at his Garden City gym.
Republican Sen. Joe Griffo says the Senate will vote again to legalize the sport this year.
Democratic Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle says they're getting "very close" to having enough votes to pass legislation to regulate the sport.
Critics say the mix of boxing, wrestling, kick boxing and jiu-jitsu is too violent.
Fans say it's no more violent than other sports when properly regulated.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.
