New York State Assembly Democrats are blocking the legalization of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), but one of their own staffers recently went into the cage for an amateur bout just blocks away from the State Capital, according to the New York Post newspaper.

Joseph Brady, a huge 334 pound fighter and legislation director to Assemblyman Peter Abbate (D- Brooklyn), fought in “Cage War 18” at the Washington Avenue Armory on March 22 against a local tattoo parlor owner named William “Tragedy” Yager. Brady is well known for his stance on labor issues.

 New York State Law forbids professional mixed martial arts competitions in the Empire State. However, a loophole in the law allows amateurs to compete in the cage.

 Brady, 32, is a former high school wrestling star and football player who previously worked in Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s State Legislative Office. He believes legalizing MMA events in New York would provide more opportunities for local fighters and boost the economy.

 The State Senate has passed bills four straight years to legalize and regulate professional MMA but has always been voted down in the Assembly.

 Bouncer Chronicles will continue to keep you posted on any new developments regarding the legalization of MMA in New York.