It looks like the UFC has its New Year's Resolution.

Just a few days into 2011, the Nevada-based promotion will formally announce its intent to bring mixed martial arts to New York as soon as possible during a Thursday press conference at Madison Square Garden.

The press conference, which will take place at the world-famous MSG arena, will be attended by UFC president Dana White, Zuffa co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta, current lightweight champ Frankie Edgar, and former light-heavyweight champ Rashad Evans, along with MSG executives.

The UFC is also expected to release an economic impact study which details the benefits of regulating MMA in the Empire State.

New York is just one of six states that does not currently regulate the sport.

While the UFC has lobbied for MMA in New York in the past, this will be the first time the promotion formally announces its intentions to run at event in Manhattan. Previous attempts at legislating MMA sanctioning into New York law have been met with road blocks in each of the last two years.

Neighboring New Jersey has successfully hosted events in the past, and will once again play host to the UFC in March, with Evans squaring off with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua for the light-heavyweight title.