The MMA World Expo, based in New York City, soon may have a new owner: WSOF.

The Las Vegas-based promotion has signed a letter-of-intent to acquire the annual MMA convention, MMAjunkie has learned from promotion officials. An announcement is expected soon.

This past week, New York became the final state to pass legislation to legalize MMA, and a bill awaits the governor’s signature. Part of WSOF’s intentions in acquiring the MMA World Expo is a plan to host fights as part of the seventh annual Expo at Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. WSOF recently opened an office in Manhattan.

“This is a very exciting and momentous time for our great sport,” WSOF CEO Carlos Silva said in a statement. “So we could not be more thrilled to take significant steps towards becoming owners of the MMA World Expo, which has been consistently delivering an incredible fan experience for the last six years and which will make for a great home for live World Series of Fighting action at a landmark location in Manhattan.

Two weeks ago, WSOF announced it had hired former UFC executive Michael Mersch as COO and general counsel. Mersch played a key role while with the UFC in the effort to get MMA legalized in New York.

The MMA World Expo launched in 2009. The event features amateur MMA competitions, catch wrestling, grappling tournaments, muay Thai events – even arm wrestling.

In addition, major MMA guests are on the docket each year for autograph signings and photo opportunities. The most recent Expo featured Jon Jones and Anderson Silva, among others.

WSOF returns Saturday with WSOF 30 in Las Vegas with two title fights on the main card on NBCSN following prelims on MMAjunkie.

For more on WSOF 30 and WSOF’s upcoming schedule, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.