Both the UFC and ‘GGG’ have Madison Square Garden reserved on April 23

It would be a monumental moment for MMA and the UFC if April 23 will host a UFC mixed martial arts event at the Madison Square Garden. With professional MMA in New York not yet legal, the UFC is hoping that laws will be changed or that they will get a pass in enough time to get the event rolling in New York.

However, boxing, which is legal in New York has another fight reserved for the same date. Boxing’s knockout star Gennady Golovkin is expected to make a mandatory IBF title defense against Tureano Johnson and has also reserved Madison Square Garden on April 23, according to Bloody Elbow.

From Bloody Elbow:

UFC VP of Public Relations Dave Sholler confirmed to Bloody Elbow that the UFC “still have the first hold” on Madison Square Garden. In other words, if professional MMA is legalized (or they go through with it via World Kickboxing Assocation sanctioning), then UFC 198 would go on as scheduled, and Golovkin’s team would have to go elsewhere. If not, then Golovkin will most likely be back at MSG for the 3rd time in his career.

Will we see MMA in New York this April? Share your opinions on New York’s ban on MMA in the comments.