Connecticut approves bill to legalize MMA, could leave NY as only state still banning sport

The Connecticut State Legislature gave final approval Wednesday — by a vote of 26-9 — to a bill to legalize mixed martial arts.  If Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy signs the bill into law, New York would be left as the only state that still outlaws the sport of MMA.

The bill will soon go to Malloy whose spokeswoman would say only that “the governor will review this bill carefully when it gets to his desk.”

Connecticut currently has MMA fights but only at its two Indian casinos, which are exempt from state laws. The XL Center in Hartford and Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport likely would host fights if the bill becomes law.

In New York, the state Senate has repeatedly passed a bill to legalize the controversial sport only to see it die in the Assembly. Opponents have called the sport too violent.

“I know New York likes to think of itself as a leader but when it comes to the fastest growing sport in the nation, New York is now the only outlier,” said Lorenzo Feritta, head of the Ultimate Fighting Championship league.

Also Wednesday, the Canadian House of Commons passed a bill legalizing certain fighting sports, including MMA.

UFC President Dana White tweeted his joy at the news.

Connecticut is now the 49th state to legalize MMA!!!
— Dana White (@danawhite) June 5, 2013