While it’s mostly a formality at this point, mixed martial arts is expected to officially become legal in New York on Thursday.
According multiple reports, Gov. Andrew Cuomo will sign the bill legalizing MMA on Thursday in a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden. The bill passed with a 113-to-25 vote on the State Assembly floor last month, ending a ban that was initially adopted in 1997.
Once Cuomo signs the bill, the New York State Athletic Commission will have 120 days to draft guidelines and regulations as the state’s sanctioning body. Ronda Rousey, as well as numerous other UFC stars are expected to attend the ceremony, according to a report from the New York Daily News.