BP Adams: Brooklyn would gain from legalizing MMA
Pushes legislation to legalize Mixed Martial Arts
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams got into the ring on Tuesday to declare his support for professional mixed martial arts (MMA).
MMA fighters combine different combat styles, such as boxing, Jiu Jitsu and wrestling. Despite its growing popularity across the United States, New York is the only state where the bouts, often violent and bloody, are illegal.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a major MMA organization with superstars like Ronda Rousey, is pushing NYS legislation that will permit the fights. A bill to authorize MMA and allow for regulation by the New York State Athletic Commission has been passed in the state Senate but still needs approval in the Assembly.