So Close You Can Taste It

Legalized pro mixed martial arts in New York is now so close you can taste it. Last night the State Assembly approved of a 2010-2011 budget plan that, among other things, calls for the regulation (and taxing) of MMA competitions - a move that jibes with Governor Paterson's budget proposal and the Senate's budget proposal. All that remains is for the three bodies to hammer out a compromise on their plans' other points (you now, minor things like State aid, spending, education, etc.), a process that could take a couple weeks. However, unless a giant meteor falls on Albany and destroys everything, this MMA thing is pretty much a done deal. Next at bat will be the Athletic Commission, with Chairwoman Melvina Lathan laying down some rules and regulations and hiring more staff, and the Empire State will start having some shows. Yeah, baby.