Mixed martial arts goes another round in NY

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Professional mixed martial arts is attempting another comeback in New York.

The state Senate voted 43-14 Wednesday to again approve legislation to make New York the 46th state to legalize and regulate the sport, though opposition remains in the Assembly.

The Assembly has beaten back legalization for seven years, recently keeping it out of the budget.

Ronda Rousey (row-SEE’) is MMA’s newest lobbyist at the Capitol, where she urged lawmakers Wednesday to pass the legislation. The winner of a 2008 Olympics bronze medal in judo, she is the unbeaten Strikeforce champion at 135 pounds.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says he doesn’t think there’s “a groundswell of support” and he has mixed feelings about it.

Opponents decry the popular televised sport as too violent and a bad example for children.