Maybe he was just trying to publicize his “ultimate fighting” bill.
Pugnacious pol Sen. Kevin Parker, charged Friday with punching Post photographer William Lopez, is the sponsor of pending legislation to legalize mixed martial arts — known as “ultimate fighting” — in New York.
The legislation now sits in committees in both the Senate and Assembly.
Mixed martial arts have been gaining popularity since January 2005, when the reality show “The Ultimate Fighter” premiered.
“You can’t make this stuff up,” said one Senate Democratic source. “Maybe Senator Parker and the Post photographer can be the first match.”
There’s history to Parker’s interest in pugilistic pursuits.
He was forced to take anger-management classes after he punched a traffic agent who attempted to ticket him for double parking four years ago.
And a former aide accused him of manhandling her and crushing her glasses under foot during a heated argument last year. She pressed charges, but no arrest was made.
Meanwhile, state Sen. Majority Leader Malcolm Smith filled Parker’s leadership positions on Monday morning.
“I have decided to appoint Senator Darrel Aubertine as Acting Energy Chair and Senator Antoine Thompson as Acting Majority Whip,” Smith said.
“They will continue to serve in their capacities as Chairman of the Agriculture Committee and Chairman of the Environmental Conservation Committee, respectively.”