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Mixed martial arts is legal in Canada, however professional MMA competitions are not legal across the country. In Manitoba, Quebec, North West Territories, and most recently, Ontario, professional competitions are legal.
After finally being legalized in the province, Ontario saw its first UFC event come to Toronto on April 30, 2011. The bill was passed to legalize the sport on August 14, 2010. The sport was deemed unsafe prior to the bill passing by the Ontario Athletic Commission. However, there was no real argument on keeping the sport away from the province. UFC 83 Montreal in 2008, the first Canadian UFC event, was the fastest selling event in UFC history and sold out the Bell Centre to a record 21 thousand plus, (42 percent of these ticket holders being Ontario residents). That record was shattered when the UFC finally came to Toronto last year. Fifty-five thousand fans gathered at the sold out Air Canada Centre to watch Canadian George St. Pierre defend his title to Jake Shields. This YouTube Video showcases Dana White’s confirmation of UFC coming to Toronto.
Text// Dan Lopes
UFC Photo Credit// Dennis Sunder (Obtained by Sarah Subnath)
It is clear that Ontario loves MMA. And it’s even clearer that the government can benefit from keeping it legal here. Safety precautions have always been in place in regards to MMA sanctioned events. And although the sport may seem brutal, its high regard to fighter safety has always been a top priority for the UFC.
The sport still remains illegal in Newfoundland & Labrador, PEI, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, and Yukon Territories. It may only be a matter of time before these provinces are swayed by the benefits of the sport in comparison to the exaggerated ‘un-safeness.’
As for British Columbia, Alberta, and New Brunswick, MMA competitions are legal depending on the municipality. UFC commissioner Dana White has recently announced that Calgary will host UFC 149 at the Saddledome.
Text// Dan Lopes
The following video is taken at a MMA gym in Etobicoke, called Xtreme Couture. One of the youth instructors, Sacha, speaks of how his students are benefiting from this sport.
Video Footage// Jenn Rich and Krisha Yasi
Video Editing// Sarah Subnath
WordPress Layout and Design// Sarah Subnath