ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has given new life to the seven-year effort to legalize mixed-martial arts competitions in the state.

Silver says Wednesday that he expects mixed-martial arts will be approved in New York, although he's not sure how soon that will happen. His chamber has blocked the proposal for years.

The Senate on Wednesday approved a bill to allow mixed-martial arts.

Silver says his Democratic majority will again discuss the issue in closed-door session and he will see what the conference wants to do.

Silver says he remains personally opposed to the sport, but understands arguments that it's on TV to be seen and NY is missing out on revenue by refusing to allow the bouts.