Mixed Martial Arts fighters kick, punch, and wrestle their way to the top but not in New York. This state is one of only two in the entire country where professional MMA fights are illegal. But the fight to lift that ban continues, and advocates are hopeful it'll happen in 2013. Our Cara Thomas has more.

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As Mixed Martial Arts continues to grow in popularity, New York government officials are trying again to bring fights to the state. Currently, professional MMA matches are banned in New York. But Senator Joe Griffo is supporting a bill that would make amateur and professional fights legal.

While the bill has already been stalled by the assembly twice, Griffo says he thinks this year will be different.

"The Senate has passed it several times," he said. "I'm hopeful now with the new sponsor in the Assembly that we can really see progress there and have this bill before the governor for his signature."

Griffo says bringing this sport to New York will lead to an economic boost across the state.