The Times-Union reports that Sen. Joe Griffo, who represents Lewis County and part of St. Lawrence County, is starting anew his push to legalize mixed martial arts in the state.

The increasingly popular sport could bring in tax revenues for the state, Mr. Griffo has argued numerous times over the year. It's never been difficult to pass the bill in the state Senate. But critics in the Assembly call it barbaric — and as the Times-Union's Casey Seiler has reported, a labor dispute in Nevada is a big holdup.

Mr. Griffo tells the Times-Union that the bill is likely to pass his chamber this month, and the retirement of a key assemblyman who opposes the legislation could be good news for MMA supporters.

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