Attempts to bring MMA to New York have been put on hold ever since UFC 12 was prevented from hosting a show there. UFC and MMA have expanded significantly since then but the powers that be in New York have remained steadfast in their assertion that the sport won't be given a licence in the state.
That could soon be about to change and the UFC apparently have big plans to capitalise on it. Bloody Elbow are reporting that the ban on MMA in New York could be lifted following the arrest of Sheldon Silver, a politician who was central to the attempts to uphold the ban.
That has seen hopes raised that a Madison Square Garden card could be put together in 2015 and, if this is the case, the UFC are apparently planning big. Brock Lesnar vs Frank Mir III is being speculated.
Lesnar is of course, not actually a part of the UFC at the moment. He's contracted to WWE but a much publicised walk out and subsequent appearance at UFC 184 has added fuel to the flames of suggestions that he could be set to return to UFC. If that is the case then a third fight against Mir in New York would be be a very big draw, despite the fact that both fighters are getting on a bit.
And just to add even more anticipation, the rumour is that it could be held as a double main event with Jon Jones vs Chris Weidman.
Lesnar's in and out relationship with MMA hasn't always sat well with fans but there's no doubting his ability to pull a crowd. Four of the eight biggest events in UFC history (as judged by PPV buys) have featured Lesnar in a headline fight and his second fight against Mir at UFC 100 is by far the biggest event of all-time.
It's currently 1-1 between Lesnar and Mir and although Mir hasn't had the most stellar record since being defeated by Lesnar at UFC 100, a third bout would surely whet fans' appetite, for nostalgia purposes if nothing else.
