It looks like the battle over legalizing mixed martial arts in New York state will soon be going to court.
Today, the UFC and a group of plaintiffs comprised of fighters, fans, trainers and other industry leaders have filed a lawsuit against New York state officials over the constitutionality of the state law prohibiting professional MMA events and related activities.
In the press release posted on the UFC’s website, the lawsuit challenging the ban was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. It contests that the law preventing sanctioned MMA events in the state violates a number of provisions of the United States Constitution.
The lawsuit specifically claims that the ban “infringes upon the rights of the fighters who want to publicly exhibit their skills as professionals and express themselves before a live audience.”
It also claims that the rights of fans are being violated, as they are being prevented from experiencing live events.
Plaintiffs presented many reasons as to why this ban is “irrational” and “unconstitutional.” They point to MMA’s high safety regulation standards, New Yorkers’ ability to watch and train in the sport and the fact that the sport is legally held in virtually every other state.
“MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. and one of the most popular in the world,” said Lorenzo Fertitta, co-owner of the UFC, in the press release. “When we acquired the UFC, we went to great lengths to invite regulation and adopt substantial safety measures. MMA is now as safe as or even safer than many other sports and activities sanctioned in New York, like boxing, for example, because it allows fighters to honorably tap out and involves far fewer hits.”
Fertitta goes on to point out that the various disciplines involved in MMA are legally practiced in New York separately, but their combination in sanctioned events remains illegal.
“Denying fighters the chance to exhibit their training and skills before a live audience and denying thousands of New Yorkers the ability to watch their favorite fighters perform live is not only an injustice to them, but to the local markets that would reap tremendous economic benefits from hosting competitions,” Fertitta adds. “We believe the ban should be eliminated, and look forward to fighting live in New York.”
Earlier this year, New York state officials tried to pass measures that would legalize the sport in New York. A bill to overturn the ban passed the State Senate in June, but was unable reach a vote by the Assembly.
Many fighters are adamant about finally bringing the sport to New York, citing the benefits that MMA has had on their lives.
“Performing MMA live in front of a crowd is an unrivaled experience and allows me to speak to my fans,” said Plaintiff and UFC middleweight Brian Stann in the press release. “It has given countless veterans a way to rehabilitate and connect with other military veterans and I am grateful every day for the ability to compete and inspire my fans.”
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