Ultimate fighters say the fight to legalize sport is almost over

Posted at: 09/07/2012 5:12 PM | Updated at: 09/08/2012 7:35 AM
By: Mark Mulholland

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MALTA - What Eddie Fyvie does is illegal.

The 24-year-old Ballston Spa man is a professional mixed martial arts fighter.

He can train here, but in New York State, professional MMA or what is often referred to as Ultimate Fighting, is illegal.

New York and Connecticut are the only states in the union with a ban on professional cage fighting.

"I think it's absolutely ridiculous that New York State is one of the last state's not to legalize it," said Fyvie.

But all that's about to change says Chad Beatty, MMA instructor and promoter of a Saturday night amateur card at the Saratoga City Center called Kaged Kombat.

"I would anticipate that by 2013 or 2014 professional MMA will be allowed in New York," said Beatty.

Beatty says the primary reason is that Assemblyman Bob Reilly of Clifton Park, MMA's staunchest opponent, is retiring.

"Bob Reilly, the time has come. The fans want it. The people have spoken. MMA needs to come to New York," Beatty said.

Beatty says New York has been missing out for years on the revenue that goes to other states where it's legal.

Senator Roy McDonald, R - Saratoga,  favors legalizing it once and for all.

"Control it. That way the public is getting the benefit of the activity, but it's also getting it controlled," said McDonald.

Beatty and others predict it will pass the state legislature next year. And Eddie Fyvie can't wait.

"It'd be one of the most exciting moments in my life to be able to fight close to home."

The amateur MMA fight card being staged at the Saratoga Springs City Center Saturday night begins at 6.