One imagines that Conor McGregor’s name will not be far from the mix.
In the coming days, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo should sign the legislation that allows mixed martial arts events to be held in the state.
Authorities will have 120 days to draw up its specific rules and regulations for the sport. It means the UFC will not hold an event in New York until later this year. The promotion has not held an event there since 1997.
During a conference call with MMA reporters, last night, UFC chief executive Lorenzo Fertitta revealed the promotion was hoping to slate in two events before the end of 2016.
The first of those may be a Fight Night or UFC on FOX event, paving the way for a massive pay-per-view at, most likely, Madison Square Garden.
During his conversation with reporters, Fertitta name-checked two high-profile fighters that he would like to see involved. He said:
“I haven’t had any conversation with Ronda [Rousey] about it. But like I said before, when we go to New York, we want to come with a big event. And obviously any time Ronda Rousey fights that is clearly a big event.
“… We’re gonna have to book the fights that make sense there, which will include Chris Weidman. It’s gonna be big.”
Weidman, a Baldwin, NY native, was clearly pumped when he heard the news:
I've waited a long time for today and couldn't be more excited to have MMA legal in my hometown of New York!! pic.twitter.com/uoxIpPbcQ4
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) March 22, 2016
Frankie Edgar would also draw a lot of attention, and numbers, to the event as he fights out of New Jersey.
‘The Answer’ is eager to fight Conor McGregor and has stated in the past that MSG would be the perfect venue. Thousands of Irish fight fans would agree.
