Pros react to legalization of MMA in the state of New York

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) -- after a lengthy back and forth debate -- was finally legalized in the state of New York earlier today (Mar. 22, 2016) after the New York State Assembly voted to lift the longtime ban on the sport that has been in effect since 2007.

Read all about the monumental vote -- which was 113 for and 25 against -- here.

Naturally, a bevy of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters such as Chris Weidman, Josh Barnett, Frankie Edgar -- as well as those competing for other MMA promotions -- took to Twitter to express their gratitude and elation following a historic day for the sport.

Of course, many of them started their campaigns to be a part of the first-ever UFC card in "The Big Apple," as well.

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— Dana White (@danawhite) March 22, 2016

I've waited a long time for today and couldn't be more excited to have MMA legal in my hometown of New York!! pic.twitter.com/uoxIpPbcQ4

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) March 22, 2016

Thank you #NYC now all the fans can see #MMA live. #MMANYC @BellatorMMA @SpikeTV @Viacom https://t.co/3GnGq1V5JG

— Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz) March 22, 2016

Glad to see NY on the menu now. Unfortunate about the timing.

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) March 22, 2016

Thank You NY State Legislature! We are one step closer to making MMA a reality in New York! #MMA4NY

— Lorenzo Fertitta (@lorenzofertitta) March 22, 2016

What a day! Time for @BellatorMMA and @SpikeSports to come to NY! LET'S GO TO N.Y.!!!!!!! great day for our sport! @Giants @NFL

— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) March 22, 2016

Better for Chris I don't beat him down in his home state.

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) March 22, 2016

Finally! It's about time we as fighters went back to the magical place that Bruno Sammartino called home. https://t.co/lDtBt7yD5q

— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) March 22, 2016

Let the "Hey @ufc @danawhite put me on the MSG show" requests begin with me. #UFC #MMANY

— Josh Samman (@JoshSamman) March 22, 2016

Great #REsult #mma4ny #ufc pic.twitter.com/vNEv5mbWSf

— Rashad Evans (@SugaRashadEvans) March 22, 2016

Wow long time coming! Better late than never! #Repost @ufc with repostapp.
・・・
Thank You NY… https://t.co/0F9VA1vuDE

— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) March 22, 2016

Congrats @UFC!!! More importantly the sport of #MMA Awesome to see @lorenzofertitta @danawhite @ikeepstein pic.twitter.com/BplDg9RE1Q

— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) March 22, 2016

Was that really so hard?!

— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) March 22, 2016

New York has legalized MMA. I know a lot of fighters have dreams of fighting at #MadisonSquareGarden I think this will become a reality.

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) March 22, 2016

great MMA news thank you New York! @ufc https://t.co/ba8uB3J1sh

— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouseUFC) March 22, 2016

This is a major step not only as a professional fighter but as a business owner and provider for my family! #MMA4NY #ufc @ufc #limma

— Ryan LaFlare (@RLaFlare) March 22, 2016

Sweet!! When's the first Bellator!?! pic.twitter.com/n4ldMtZgJt

— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) March 22, 2016

Congrats to all who've worked so hard for MMA to be legal in every state. Universal medical and judging/reffing regulations next, please!

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) March 22, 2016

Thank you New York City for legalizing MMA. @ufc and the fight fans here we come @danawhite @lorenzofertitta

— Manny Gamburyan (@MannyGamburyan) March 22, 2016

Back to @TheGarden then!

— Coach (@CMPunk) March 22, 2016

Jay Z said it best "concrete jungle where dreams are made...big lights will inspire you,let's hear it for New York!Here we come MSG #MMA4NY

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) March 22, 2016

New York, New York! Happy days Irish MMA fans, a lot shorter trip than Vegas ❤ let's do this!!

— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) March 22, 2016

Yes!!!!! At first you don't succeed try try again! @danawhite @lorenzofertitta @ufc @joerogan… https://t.co/4FBJTJokpq

— Urijah Faber (@UrijahFaber) March 22, 2016

There you have it folks.

Now that you've heard from some of your favorite athletes and entertainers, lets get your take on the historic day in the comments section below.