After years of false starts and late stoppages, the New York Legislature may be on the verge of passing a law that would legalize mixed martial arts in the Empire State.

According to a report published Monday evening by MichaelGormley of Newsday, the New York State Assembly has introduced and amended a legalization bill that closely mirrors a similar version currently in the Senate.

MMA proponents are currently working to muster enough votes to pass the bill before the legislative session ends Wednesday.

“We’re getting much more optimistic,” said State Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle (D), a lead sponsor of the bill, according to the report.

Want to know more? Got the drop at Bleacher Report . . .