New Bill To Legalize Mixed Martial Arts Advances In N.Y. State Senate

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The fight to legalize mixed martial arts in New York state -- the last state to prohibit cage matches with small gloves -- has resumed with a state Senate committee advancing legislation.

The New York State 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.

State Sen. Joe Griffo (R-Utica), the sponsor of the bill, predicts it will pass the Senate again easily.

But Sen. Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan), who voted against the bill 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.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-The Bronx) had been a sponsor, but took his name off legislation after he was chosen leader of the Democrats with their two-thirds Assembly majority. Former Speaker Sheldon Silver of Manhattan had been a critic.

Lorenzo Fertitta, chief executive of Ultimate Fighting Championship, the sport's major brand, said no promises were made and no timetable set, but Heastie wants his caucus to advance the legislation. He said UFC is open to the idea of a compensation fund and already provides full medical coverage to its fighters and accident insurance when they are not training. "I'm not hugely supportive of additional taxes that we would pay that, for instance, boxing, wouldn't pay," he said.

Dennis Bermudez, a 28-year-old fighter from Long Island with a 14-4 record who accompanied Fertitta to Albany, said he is a former collegiate wrestler and MMA gave him an opportunity to compete again. "Getting hurt isn't on my mind. ... I'm well aware of my future, and I plan accordingly," he said.

Meanwhile, companion legislation to Griffo's bill has been introduced in the Assembly by Majority Leader Joseph Morelle (D-Rochester), and more than 50 co-sponsors. A companion to Hoylman's bill to establish the compensation fund has been introduced by Assembly Ways and Means Chairman Herman "Denny" Farrell (D-Manhattan). Another bill introduced this year would continue the ban for two years and require a state health study of the dangers.

Officials from UFC say MMA has evolved over 20 years with many safety regulations to protect fighters, including mandatory suspensions after concussions. They say it's safer than boxing, with no history of deaths or traumatic brain injuries suffered in the ring, and have sponsored a long-term study of active and retired fighters at the Cleveland Clinic.

The state Senate last May approved an unsuccessful bill to make New York the final state to permit pro mixed martial arts bouts.

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