ALBANY, N.Y., Nov. 16 (UPI) -- A group of ultimate fighters and fans has sued the state of New York, arguing the ban on the sport also known as ultimate fighting is unconstitutional.
In court papers filed Tuesday in Albany, the 14 plaintiffs say mixed martial arts -- the sport's gentler name -- is protected by the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of expression, the New York Daily News reported.
"There is artistry to it," their lawyer, Jamie Levitt, said. "Most fans report they are inspired by it."
New York is one of three states that ban mixed martial arts. Enthusiasts have tried to overturn the law without success.
Assemblyman Bob Reilly, an Albany Democrat, is one of the legislators committed to keeping the sport illegal. He called the lawsuit "desperate."
"You know art when you see it and you know that this is not art," he said.
The lawsuit also argues the law discriminates against mixed martial arts because New York allows boxing, football and other violent events.
