Ontario’s Premier Open To Allowing MMA In Province
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Ontario’s Premier Dalton McGuinty talked with Canadian media (CTV) recently that he had an open mind when it came to the sport of MMA, but before making any decision he’d like to speak with those in the grass roots of the martial arts community first.
“No, no, I’ve got an open mind to those kinds of things,” he told CTV Toronto on Monday when asked if he’s opposed to the martial arts events being staged here.
“I’d want to hear from people who train kids in the martial arts, how popular is it among the younger age group and all those kinds of things. It’s not the kind of thing I’d want to drive underground. In other words, I’d want to bring a thoughtful approach to it.”
McGuinty said he would also want to consult with police and medical officials. He also said the issue is not a priority for him.
Currently MMA is illegal in the Canadian Province of Ontario citing that it violates Section 83 of the Criminal Code which forbids unsanctioned prizefighting.
Ontario is one of North America’s hotbeds for MMA interest as the province draws some of the highest PPV numbers for events such as the UFC. UFC president Dana White has expressed great interest in opening the Ontario market.
Vancouver, another previous Canadian holdout, has recently sanctioned MMA on a two year trial, opening the doors for promotions to bring their brand of entertainment into the City. Both of the UFC and MFC have expressed interest in holding events during the summer of 2010.
Props BloodyElbow.com
