The push to legalize mixed martial arts in New York is now being led by the state’s top official. Governor David Paterson unveiled a state budget proposal Tuesday that includes a bill that would nullify a 13-year-old ban on MMA in the Empire State as a way of raising sorely needed revenue. “Currently, 40 States safely regulate the sport of mixed martial arts and enjoy local and statewide economic benefits associated with the conduct of mixed martial arts events,” reads a summary from Paterson’s office of his revenue proposals. “While New York’s ban on professional combative sports would be removed, conduct of the sport would be carefully regulated.” Paterson’s proposal means that legalization of MMA will be taken up as part of the ...