By MIKE JOHNSTONThe Ultimate Fighting Championship has officially announced that UFC 131 will take place in Toronto, Ontario on April 30 at the Rogers Centre. UFC President Dana White, along with UFC Director of Canadian Operations Tom Wright, made the official announcement at a press conference in the Air Canada Centre Tuesday.
“People have been dying for this thing in Toronto and now we're finally coming,” said White. “Throughout my career, over the last 10 years there's some memorable events. I have the feeling that this one will be the most memorable event of my career.”
White said that this weekend’s event -UFC 124 that takes place at Montreal’s Bell Centre- is expected to break both attendance and revenue records. White, however, added that the Toronto show would supersede all records that will be set by UFC 124.
Recently, the Ontario government announced they would begin accepting applications from MMA promoters on January 1. “I can assure you that our application will be on that table [on New Year’s Day] and I like our chances to be accepted," said Wright.
White has consistently been outspoken about the considerable support the UFC receives from its Canadian fans. “Canadians have repeatedly shown how much they love the UFC,” said White. “Fans in Ontario have patiently waited and it will pay off as this one will go down in the history books come April 30. I’m very excited. Toronto is going to break the record and host the biggest mixed martial arts event ever in North America.”
The Rogers Centre has a potential capacity of over 65,000, but White is uncertain at this time exactly how many seats will be available for the event. “The live event means everything to me," White said. "We'll deliver. We will deliver and make sure that it has the same energy - you're not watching two little ants fight on a matchbox. I'll make sure we deliver. I promise.”
Full Fight Card:
For more information visit ufc.com and for more MMA news and notes follow @MikeyJ_MMA on Twitter.
“People have been dying for this thing in Toronto and now we're finally coming,” said White. “Throughout my career, over the last 10 years there's some memorable events. I have the feeling that this one will be the most memorable event of my career.”
White said that this weekend’s event -UFC 124 that takes place at Montreal’s Bell Centre- is expected to break both attendance and revenue records. White, however, added that the Toronto show would supersede all records that will be set by UFC 124.
Recently, the Ontario government announced they would begin accepting applications from MMA promoters on January 1. “I can assure you that our application will be on that table [on New Year’s Day] and I like our chances to be accepted," said Wright.
White has consistently been outspoken about the considerable support the UFC receives from its Canadian fans. “Canadians have repeatedly shown how much they love the UFC,” said White. “Fans in Ontario have patiently waited and it will pay off as this one will go down in the history books come April 30. I’m very excited. Toronto is going to break the record and host the biggest mixed martial arts event ever in North America.”
The Rogers Centre has a potential capacity of over 65,000, but White is uncertain at this time exactly how many seats will be available for the event. “The live event means everything to me," White said. "We'll deliver. We will deliver and make sure that it has the same energy - you're not watching two little ants fight on a matchbox. I'll make sure we deliver. I promise.”
Full Fight Card:
- Champ Georges St-Pierre vs. Jake Shields (for welterweight title)
- Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida*
- Mark Bocek vs. Ben Henderson*
- Ivan Menjivar vs. Charlie Valenica *
- Pablo Garza vs. Yves Jabouin*
- Rory MacDonald vs. James Wilks*
- Jonathan Brookins vs. John Makdessi*
For more information visit ufc.com and for more MMA news and notes follow @MikeyJ_MMA on Twitter.
How can Dana White officially announce that an event will take place in Ontario BEFORE the date that the provincial government has set for accepting applications from MMA promoters?
ReplyDeleteI think that Dana can probably assume that he will be granted a license. They are putting the event on April 30th and applications can be taken on January 1st. Seeing as it is about a month long process, I am sure it will leave the proper wriggle room for Dana and co. to throw an amazing event. It looks like UFC won't be the first in Ontario though if they are going that late, I am sure another promotion will get a show in before them.
ReplyDeleteExactly. Both Dana and Tom Wright told me that they see no problems with getting approved for an event. So, for now, the plans are tentative. However, as soon as their license is approved the dates will become official.
ReplyDelete-Mike Johnston.
Thanks for the responses.
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Albert Pecoraro