New York has taken a step closer to regulating mixed martial arts and repealing a ban on the sport that was imposed across the state 13 years ago. The New York State Senate yesterday approved most of a budget proposal put forward by Governor Paterson and budget director Robert Megna. The budget proposal included provisions to change state legislation and “authorize the conduct and regulation of professional mixed martial arts sporting events in New York State” with the New York State Athletic Commission being empowered to license fighters and promoters “to ensure the safety and integrity of the sport.” But of more interest to New York legislators is probably the part which states “The bill would also make provision for the State ...