Then there was one. And, as usual, it’s New York.
The Connecticut Senate just voted overwhelmingly to legalize mixed martial arts statewide, following earlier approval by the House of Representatives. It’s not yet clear Gov. Dan Malloy will sign the bill. But if he does, Connecticut would be the 49th state to approve ultimate fighting.
Meanwhile in Albany, despite Senate approval and near-majority co-sponsorship in the Assembly, Speaker Sheldon Silver won’t even let the measure come to a vote.
Which means the economic benefits — $500 million in yearly revenue and $2 billion in TV contracts — will continue to flow everywhere in the country. Except New York.
The OK by Connecticut’s state Legislature is even more compelling, given that Stamford is headquarters to pro wrestling, the main competitor to ultimate fighting. Just goes to show that Nutmeg State politicians have figured out how lucrative ultimate fighting could be for their state.
The same argument, of course, holds for New York. To those who argue the sport is too brutal, legalization brings with it safety regulations — unlike the amateur version, which is already allowed here.
But once again, one man seems to be standing in the way: Sheldon Silver.
Whether it’s fracking or mixed martial arts, New York never seems to miss an opportunity to miss a no-lose opportunity.