New York, Not Swayed by Gay Porn Argument, Legalizes MMA

Image via Zimbio

Mixed martial arts is now legal in New York for the first time in nearly two decades. This week the New York State Assembly passed a bill lifting the ban that has been imposed on MMA since 1997.

The bill passed 113-25 despite the pleas of Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell, the brother of comedienne Rosie O’Donnell, who argued against it on moral grounds. Or something along those lines.

O’Donnell, who is gay, characterized the sport as such: “Two half-naked hot men rolling around in a cage trying to dominate each other. It’s basically gay porn, only with a different ending.” According to TMZ, he also believes lifting the ban will “trigger a rise in violence and gambling among young people.”

After a day of unsuccessfully lobbying the legislature, O’Donnell said “he was going home ‘to take a long shower.’” Okay then.

Concerns about porn and gambly violence aside, the legalization marks a significant victory for the UFC and its Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein, who had been battling to get the ban lifted since 2007.

“It was absolutely worth it, and we couldn’t be more excited about doing our first event in New York, and doing many, many more,” Epstein said of the long fight.