Massachusetts regulation draws near, awaits Governor’s signature

Dmac · 10-29-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMAMania

Massachusetts regulation draws near, awaits Governor’s signature

UFC President Dana White mentioned the historic and beloved Fenway Park as a possible venue for the promotion’s anticipated Boston debut in mid to late 2010 during the UFC 101 post-fight press conference in the early morning hours of Aug. 9.

What started as enthusiastic optimism now seems like a foregone conclusion.

A bill to legalize mixed martial arts in Massachusetts recently cleared its latest hurdle in the legislative process after breezing through the State Senate by a vote of 34-1.

The bill then headed to the House Ways and Means Committee for additional consideration, where it sailed through by a vote of 144-10. All that remains is a signature from Governor Deval Patrick and it’s go-time.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) officials stormed Massachusetts earlier this year, attempting to convince lawmakers in the “Bay State” that mixed martial arts regulation is good for them and the state economy … to the tune of $12.3 million in just one weekend.

The latest dog and pony show appeared to have done the trick during a State House hearing held back in April. If all goes according to plan, the promotion is hoping to stage a major pay-per-view (PPV) event at some point in 2010.

Boston’s TD Banknorth Garden is also under consideration to host the planned event.

If he wants to do an outdoor event then why hasn't he done so already elsewhere? I mean he could have even done so over here at Wembley which would be awesome.