When the bill to lift the ban on mixed martial arts was passed through the New York Assembly this week, one of those who rejoiced was a transplant Englishman who fosters a dream of fighting in the Empire State, too.
That was Liam McGeary, the current lightweight champion in Bellator, who has for the past four years has called New York home, and who trains with Renzo Gracie just a few blocks from Madison Square Garden.
"I was keeping a close eye on it, through the people at Spike and on the internet," the 33-year old McGeary told MMA Fighting.