The Fight Over Mixed Martial Arts in NY
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: March 7, 2013
New York's State Senate passed a bill that would legalize the sport of combat fighting known as mixed martial arts this week.
It has trainers and athletes excited but there still could be a long road ahead.
Sam Muratore started his mixed martial arts career in the early 1990's.
Today he trains recreational athletes and competitors in Rochester
"You can teach it as a martial art but you can not promote it as a sporting event," said Sam Muratore, an MMA trainer
That could change with a state senate bill legalizing the sport - which would allow local competitions and create regulations.
It passed Wednesday.
"I believe in that everything should be sanctioned. [The] main reason, one, is because of the health reasons," said Muratore.
Opponents of MMA legalization say the sport is just too violent but trainers say the regulations have changed
"If you research mixed martial arts matches, as soon as the person can not defend themselves, the referee comes in and stops it right there," said Muratore.
Proponents say major competitions in upstate and in new york could create millions of dollars in revenue - everything from stadium rentals to ticket sales.
"I really believe the pressure is going to come from the economic aspect of how much the sport could bring the State of New York," said Muratore.
The Democratic-led Assembly has to pass the measure, which has been clocked for several years.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a democrat, who has never favored MMA, told reporters that there will be a day when MMA will pass in New York.
