"This is an exciting and historic day for our great sport," said World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva. "Those who have been lobbying for the legalization of MMA in NY State, beginning with the UFC as well as World Series of Fighting's new COO Michael Mersch, should be commended for their persistence and commitment to seeing through the passage of legislation that will finally allow fans to watch live MMA in the Empire State, and fighters to compete there. We recently opened an office in Manhattan so, along with our television partner, NBC, we are looking forward to bringing our brand of professional MMA to New York very soon."