ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) " A state Assembly committee has voted to legalize mixed martial arts in New York, reversing its decision last year to block the legislation.
The Committee on Tourism, Arts and Sports Development voted to send the full Assembly a bill that would give the New York State Athletic Commission authority to regulate the sport.
Assemblyman Jonathan Bing of Manhattan says it will bring tax revenue to the state and put controls on a competition that's underground here, but legal in 38 other states.
Assemblyman Robert Reilly of suburban Albany has led the opposition. He says it would further promote an already troubling culture of violence, but he's "not optimistic" about defeating the bill in the full Assembly.
A Senate committee is set to vote next week.