Mixed martial arts matches will soon be allowed in Connecticut venues.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Thursday signed a bill into law that lifts the state's ban on MMA starting Oct. 1.
House Speaker Brendan Sharkey on Twitter congratulated fans of the sport and said the legislation "will be good for the economy too."
Congrats #MMA fans - @GovMalloyOffice has signed the Mixed Martial Arts bill. And it will be good for the economy too! #ctpolitics — Brendan Sharkey (@SharkBits88) July 11, 2013
But some promoters have voiced concern about a provision included in Connecticut's legislation that makes them liable for health care costs associated with fighters' injuries, questioning whether they'll come to the state.
MMA is a form of fighting that features boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, judo and other disciplines. Matches are currently permitted at Connecticut's Indian-run casinos, but illegal in the rest of the state.
Venues in Hartford and Bridgeport have campaigned for years to host the fights.
