Peckerd report volume:2 March 16th 2010

It is that time of the week again! Time for the Peckerd report: Volume 2, this week Pecker goes over some very real issues involving Ontario and MMA, hear what the champ has to say this week;

I am wondering what the agenda is for Ontario MMA enthusiasts? Are residents of this great province jumping on the bandwagon of global MMA legalization just to be a part of the status quo? Or do we have a bigger plan in mind?


I know many of you have put time, money, sweat, blood, tears into legalizing the sport and have been continuously denied, but your actions have actually started to take effect. As recently as February 18th of this year, Ontario’s premier Dalton McGuinty, has been quoted speaking about the legalization of mixed martial arts in Ontario. “It’s just not a priority for us” he told reporters. “We have other things on the go right now, and we’ll stay focused on those.”

I have spoken with many people about what our premier has stated, and there are definitely mixed reviews. Some seeing what he’s saying as truth for him and his cabinet, but others seeing this as another way to shove the pot out of the way and on to the back burner. My opinion is that what we’re missing here is McGuinty made a public statement regarding legalizing MMA in Ontario. It is on the back burner, but hey, at least it is there. For an issue to be on the public relations burner of our government shows that our message is becoming transparent. WE WANT MMA LEGALIZED and we’re not going away until it is.

I truly believe the individuals responsible for holding back the sanctioning of the sport in Ontario do not want to be pushed into a decision, but more want to feel as though they can contribute, and bring the sport to Ontario in a safe and respectable manor. Let’s give them ideas.

Being a competitor of the sport I have competed throughout the world. Every time competing professionally out of my home province has been a drag, but it has been the only possible way. I will continue to compete and bring fellow teammates out of province, until the glorious day comes where we can fight on our own turf. Just because my own government states “it’s just not a priority for us” doesn’t mean it’s not a priority for me. Every day I try to educate people on the benefits of MMA within our community. It is a small part, but it is working.

So I ask you to send in any thoughts or opinions that you have pertaining to this report, educate yourself and anyone else that is interested. Let’s show our government we too want to be looked upon as a leader, not a follower, in the expansion of MMA.

Write your local minister of parliament, support your local gym or events that they are involved with, be pro active in the drive.

To answer the question from my opening paragraph, we have a bigger plan in mind.