World Series of Fighting plans New Year’s Eve card in New York City
A general view of the national anthem prior to game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, Apr. 30, 2015 in New York City. Credit: Jim McIsaac
New York City is the epicenter of American revelry on New Year’s Eve.
While Times Square figures to be packed by a million or so partygoers, The Theater at Madison Square Garden will host a few thousand fight fans.
World Series of Fighting announced on Saturday that it intends to promote a fight card on Dec. 31 that also will air live on NBC.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring our exciting, world championship live event series to the Big Apple, where fans have been anxiously waiting for years, for live, professional MMA action to be able to happen in their city,” said World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva. “We have been working diligently with the staff at the New York State Athletic Commission as well as the executives at Madison Square Garden to complete all of the necessary steps to make this historic and great event happen on New Year’s Eve.”
The New York State Assembly legalized mixed martial arts earlier this year after an eight-year battle.
Ultimate Fighting Championship plans to host an event at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 12.
Neither WSOF nor UFC has announced any specific bouts for their events yet.
Mark La Monica is a deputy sports editor at Newsday. He also covers mixed martial arts.
