Fighting New York's Mixed Martial Arts Ban

WRVO

Published April 16, 2010 at 8:42 AM EDT

By Jasmyn Belcher

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wrvo/local-wrvo-896526.mp3

Salamanca, NY – While boxing, wrestling and martial arts competitions are legal in New York State, mixing the sports together is not.

Governor David Paterson wants to legalize mixed martial arts fights to tax the tickets and raise money for the state. This isn't sitting well with some doctors groups and lawmakers who call the sport primitive and dangerous.

WRVO's Jasmyn Belcher looked into the sport, to find out why this type of fighting has state leaders in conflict.

Photos: by Michael Benjamin

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