State lawmakers sent a bill easing rules governing mixed martial arts in Connecticut to Gov. Dannel Malloy after a last-minute agreement before the end of the legislative session.

MMA is already legal but faces cumbersome rules and expenses. In exchange for relaxing the rules, the deal will also allow a third casino to be built near Hartford.

The move would allow UFC fights at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport and other locations across the state. 

Promoters have avoided scheduling events since MMA became legal four years ago due to prohibitive rules in the original law.

Arena officials say that they will be able to host professional MMA fights as early as next week.