UFC's Lorenzo Fertitta, Bellator's Scott Coker respond to New York Assembly voting in favor of MMA bill

Eight years later, the bill to legalize mixed martial arts in New York State finally passed Tuesday evening.

Moments after the news broke, UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta and Bellator president Scott Coker issued separate statements expressing their excitement, among other feelings, on the historic news.

Lorenzo Fertitta:

"This has been a long time coming and on behalf of our New York UFC athletes and fans, I want to offer heartfelt thanks to Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Morelle and all the Members of the Assembly – Democrats and Republicans – who voted for this bill.

"Joe Morelle has worked tirelessly to educate his colleagues and build support for legalizing professional MMA and regulating both professional and amateur MMA.  He has worked closely with Senator Joe Griffo, who has shepherded this effort in the Senate, where the bill has passed with strong bipartisan support for the last seven years, and MMA fans owe both a huge debt of gratitude.

"New York’s amazing arenas – upstate and downstate – have worked with us to advocate passage of this bill.  So, too, have restaurants, hotels, businesses and others who recognize the economic value professional MMA can bring to New York. Our athletes have been extraordinary.  More than 20 have been to Albany to help educate legislators about the fastest growing sport in the world.  And our fans have been phenomenal.  Through letters and phone calls, rallies and social media, New York’s MMA and UFC fans have lent their voices of support.  It took a while, but their voices have been heard.

"While there are still additional steps that have to occur before professional MMA becomes a reality in New York, I want to assure our fans that if Governor Cuomo signs the bill into law and the State Athletic Commission puts in place the appropriate regulations, we look forward to hosting our first New York event in the world’s most famous arena – Madison Square Garden, home to so many epic sporting events throughout the decades. We also look forward to scheduling events in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Albany, and Brooklyn. We are excited."

Scott Coker:

"The New York Assembly’s vote to legalize MMA is a watershed moment for this incredible sport. As someone who has been promoting combat sports for more than 30 years, this is a very exciting time for mixed martial arts. We at Bellator MMA are very much looking forward to hosting an event in the 'Crown Jewel of America,' New York.

"Two Bellator champions, Liam McGeary and Marcos Galvao, call New York home, and I know it means a great deal to the both of them, as it does for the entire promotion. We’ve already been in contact with the great people at the Barclays Center and several other incredible venues, and we can’t wait bring our world-class athletes and action-packed shows to an arena in the Empire State soon."