Until recently Mixed Martial Arts in Ontario was unsanctioned. Fast forward to December, the province has now vowed to began accepting applications for events January 1st 2011. Well that was enough for UFC President Dana White to come to Toronto and all but promise a UFC event April 30th at Rogers Centre.
There are many reasons why this is a brilliant move on UFC‘s part.
Location: White was very smart to make his announcement at the Air Canada Centre (not Rogers Centre where the event will take place), and follow that by a fan event at nearby Real Sports Bar and Grill. In one day he has put his mark on the two biggest arena’s in the city. Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment owns Air Canada Centre and Real Sports brand. MLSE also owns the Toronto Maple Leafs, Marlies, Raptors and the TFC (of Major League Soccer). Then he has an agreement with Rogers which has the largest arena in Rogers Centre and is arguably the biggest communication company in Canada, who owns the Toronto Blue Jays as well. Not to mention this will cause sports stories on both sides of the downtown core to carry merchandise beyond the show.
Now compare that to WWE: Their next event is a non-televised World Tour Smackdown show at the Ricoh Coliseum. It was first opened in 1921 and home to the AHL Marlies. Needless to say the UFC event will sell about 10 times better. Rogers Centre (formerly Skydome) had 68,237 fans in attendance for WrestleMania X8. A record I am certainly sure Dana White will top.
Jumping the gun: By coming out and stating April 30th there will be a pay per view UFC event in Toronto before even filing the forms he’s made a statement. That statement is to locals and those who want to come in to Toronto and block off the 30th.
As for my native province of Ontario, let the rant begin.
Ontario Provincial Government: All the time our government has wasted thinking and “researching” this. While Montreal (UFC 83, 97, 113, 124) and Vancouver (UFC 115) beat us to the punch. Last I checked boxing and pretty much any violent sport shy of MMA has been allowed. The big realization of the government was that UFC was profitable for the province. What a surprise!
Ontario Medical Association: For standing up after MMA was allowed they decided to protest based on concerns of violence?! I’m sorry are you unfamiliar with hockey? A game where people are blinded, hit in the head with sticks, fans have died in the stands from rogue pucks and your worried about MMA? Last I checked there were no MMA court cases in Canadian history compared to a handful of NHL cases.
Last of all, come one come all!
I encourage all MMA fans to come to Toronto for UFC 131. One of the best cities in the world and the home to the most conventions in North America.
Until next week, your either Wrestling Edge or against us!