It was a great occasion for the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) on Thursday as the combat sport finally received legal status in New York -- the only state in the United States of America where the sport was banned for as many as 19 years. UFC soon took the opportunity to announce that the first PPV at New York will take place on November 12 at the famed Madison Square Garden.
There's not been a single UFC fighter who does not want to be a part of the event after the announcement came in UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta. From Chris Weidman to Stipe Miocic and Ronda Rousey, everyone wants to be a part of history.
Rousey is expected to return to the octagon in November, as stated by UFC President Dana White earlier this year. Therefore, it is quite likely that she could be in action in the event. While it will be a treat for all the MMA fans around the world to see her fighting at the Madison Square Garden, one person who wants to book a ticket straightaway if Rousey gets a mention in the fight card, is none other than New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
"I'm very excited about the November match here at The Garden," Cuomo was quoted as saying by Fox Sports. "I'm not a promoter, but boy, if Ronda Rousey fought here in November, that would be a hell of an event. I would call in to reserve my seat right now."
Rousey, who has built a great legacy for herself in the world of MMA, wants to be a part of history once again. The former UFC women's bantamweight champion of the world played a major part pushing the legalization process for MMA at New York, along with other fighters.
"I would love to have the opportunity to fight here because this is another time I feel like I earned the right to fight here because I fought for it," Rousey told UFC. "It wasn't just something that fell on my plate; I was part of the process and I think that's what a lot of the New York fighters will be feeling when they finally get to fight in their hometown.
"It's not that they're just defending their turf, but they fought for their right and won the right to be able to defend their turf. Any fighter that fights here is going to feel that vibe, but the New Yorkers are going to feel it double. I'm a little bit envious, to be honest."
