It's about time!! Ontario's government to legalize Mixed Martial Arts

By MIKE JOHNSTON

(Canadian MMA Examiner)

Finally! Mixed martial arts fans in Ontario and across Canada can rejoice. The provincial government has made the long overdue decision to legalize the sport of MMA in Ontario, starting in 2011. This decision is sure to have a large impact on Ontario’s economy and sports culture.

Though the laws have not been officially altered, it is a change of heart that fans and businesses alike have been anticipating for several years. “It's been a long time coming and we're thrilled," said UFC Vice-President of regulatory and government affairs Marc Ratner in a recent interview with The Canadian Press. “Ontario is a very, very important market to us. Canada is the Mecca of the sport.”

In a May press conference held at the Rogers Centre, the UFC announced it would open up a UFC Canada office in Toronto with former CFL commissioner Tom Wright heading operations. At that same press conference, Ratner stated that Toronto is the UFC's top market in terms of pay-per-view buys and viewers, per-capita.

Also at that press conference UFC Chairman and CEO, Lorenzo Fertitta, said, “Canada represents about 17 per cent of our overall business as a company now, so we look to continue to grow that.” Therefore, it only makes sense that the sport become legal in Ontario.

UFC President Dana White, who says Ontario is the “Mecca” of MMA, showed his excitement over this decision via his famous twitter account. “It’s done UFC is coming to Ontario! Thank you premier Dalton McGuinty and minister of consumer services Sophia Aggelontis! U 2 made it happen.”

White then encouraged fans to commend the premiere and his staff, despite all the criticism McGuinty has faced over this issue. “Canadian UFC fans show premier Dalton McGuinty and minister of consumer services Sophia Aggelonitis some love for making this happen!!!!!”

Some of the UFC’s top athletes are from Ontario including Sam Stout, Mark Bocek and Claude Patrick among others. This decision will not only allow the UFC told hold events in the province, but will open up more opportunities for other Canadian promotions, such as MFC and W-1, to stage their own shows. It will allow for more local athletes to have an outlet to display their talents. Overall, this is a great day for mixed martial arts and the province of Ontario.

For more information and coverage of all things Canadian MMA, visit CanadianProFighter.com.