Regulation of MMA in Ontario in short term appears dead
No UFC in Ontario: McGuinty Premier Dalton McGuinty has dealt a stunning blow in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s battle to…
No UFC in Ontario: McGuinty
Premier Dalton McGuinty has dealt a stunning blow in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s battle to come to Ontario.
“It’s just not a priority for us,” McGuinty said Wednesday. “We have other things on the go right now and we’ll stay focused on those.”
The premier’s comments indicate that despite the incredible popularity of the UFC in this province, Ontarians will have to continue to travel to Quebec or elsewhere if they want to see a live match.
The federal Criminal Code prohibits prizefighting but individual provinces can choose to exempt sports such as boxing and mixed martial arts.
According to a consumer services ministry spokesperson, Ontario would need to be convinced that UFC is safe for the public and participants before it would make amendments to the Athletics Control Act.
But while the government has been saying it continues to monitor the development of the sport, McGuinty appeared to shut the door on any changes in the near future.
