ASSEMBLYMAN MURRAY SEEKS TO BRING PROFESSIONAL MIXED MARTIAL ARTS TO NY TO GENERATE REVENUE, STATE ECONOMY

Joins Madison Square Garden President, Owner of UFC in Call for State to Approve Regulation of the Sport in New York NEW YORK, NYAssemblyman Dean Murray today joined Ultimate Fighting Championship^® President Dana White, former UFC light heavyweight champion and New York native Rashad Evans, and Scott O’Neil, the president of Madison Square Garden at a press conference announcing plans to bring bouts to Madison Square Garden as soon as the sport of mixed martial arts is approved in New York. Forty-four other states currently regulate the sport, including Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. 
Murray, the ranking member of the New York State Assembly Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development, has been a proponent of bringing mixed martial arts to New York as a means of generating new revenue for the state, rather than imposing taxes or new fees on residents.
“With 44 states and several countries around the globe regulating mixed martial arts, and reaping the economic rewards of holding exhibitions, New York cannot afford to remain on the sidelines,” said Assemblyman Murray. “Independent economic studies have verified that just one MMA show in New York City would generate over $11 million. MMA exhibitions fill hotel rooms and restaurants over the course of a full weekend, stimulating local businesses.



In photo from left to right are Assemblyman Dean Murray, Scott O'Neill,
President of Madison Square Garden, and UFC light heavyweight champion Frankie Edgar.
Not shown is UFC President Dana White and UFC Owner Lorenzo Fertitta.


Assemblyman Murray has spoken with Governor Andrew Cuomo about the ability of mixed martial arts to raise new revenue for New York, and urged the Governor to advocate its passage in this legislative session. Murray is co-sponsor of legislation (A.2009c) that would regulate and bring the sport to New York. Companion legislation was approved in the state Senate last year.
“Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in the world, and has a safety record second to none of the major contact sports, including professional football, hockey and boxing. Language in the legislation to regulate this sport ensures that New York will be one of the most diligent states in enforcing safety measures,” said Murray. “In short, mixed martial arts can provide New York with a much needed economic boost and help generate revenue for the budget.”