Following today’s bill signing by Governor Andrew Cuomo to legalize and regulate professional mixed martial arts in the state of New York, the UFC almost immediately announced it’s plans to host a major event at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 12.

UFC fighterss Chris Weidman, Ronda Rousey, Chris Wade, Aljamain Sterling, Dennis Bermudez, Ryan LaFlare and Gian Villante joined UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta at the signing of the landmark bill.

“I want to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo, Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle, Senator Joe Griffo and the many other leaders in the state of New York for legalizing and regulating the sport of mixed martial arts,” said. “Our commitment to bringing incredible live events to New York starts immediately, as we’ve planned a major Pay-Per-View event at Madison Square Garden on November 12. It’s going to be a historic, monumental moment for this sport and our passionate fans when the Octagon finally arrives in New York.”

Additionally, the UFC is expected to announced additional live events in upstate New York before the end of the year. These events will be held in cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica and Albany, in addition to Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center.

“Today marks a great day for both MMA fans and New York,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, Marquee Events and Operations, The Madison Square Garden Company. “We think it’s only fitting that the first UFC event is taking place at The World’s Most Famous Arena and look forward to these world-class athletes becoming part of The Garden’s storied history.”

More information about the upcoming live event at Madison Square Garden will be announced in the weeks to come.

About The Author

News Manager

José began his career as a mixed martial arts journalist while still enrolled at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University. Since graduating in May 2013, he has attended dozens of high profile UFC fight cards as a credentialed member of the media, providing live cage side coverage through his articles and videos. His work has appeared on UFC.com, ArizonaSports.com and AZCentral. He is also currently one of the main contributors on Power MMA Show at Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, one of the first all MMA radio shows on a major radio station.