MMA in Ontario? Not so fast...
by Bigger Zino on Feb 17, 2010 2:02 PM EST
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UFC President Dana White expects mixed martial arts to one day become the world's largest and most popular sport. Unfortunately that vision of global domination won't start in Ontario, Canada, as Premier Dalton McGuinty has indicated that MMA regulation was "not a priority."
Last year White expected to secure a show in Ontario at some point in 2010, setting his sights on Toronto at the Rogers Centre in front of as many as 50,000 fans. Considering that one of the world's most popular fighters is a Canadian named Georges St. Pierre, that wasn't such an unrealistic goal.
Then again, nothing is possible unless the Ontario Athletic Commission lifts its ban on cagefighting like the good folks over in Vancouver did a few months back.
More from McGuinty, courtesy of TSN.ca:
"It's just not a priority for us at this point in time, we have higher priorities when it comes to developing those jobs and strengthening the economy. We have other things on the go right now, and we'll stay focused on those, whether that's our tax reforms, stimulating the economy through investments in infrastructure, getting our children better opportunities at the outset."
While he would not comment on his personal opinion of the UFC or mixed martial arts as a sport, it's no secret that a majority of legislative blowhards still envision the UFC of yesteryear, when grotesquely out of shape bar room brawlers would duke it out for the chance to be submitted by Royce Gracie.
Ontario stands to make millions in profit and tax revenue should the UFC hold another Canadian mega-event in 2010, much like they will in Montreal in May and then again in Vancouver just a month later.
Like New York, Ontario may begin to feel the squeeze from its inhabitants if neighboring communities are raking in boku bucks while they cling to their holier-than-thou stance on MMA.
That may soon change for "The Empire State" and hopefully, Ontario.
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open dome at the Skydome..
would be amazing
I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.
GOOD!!!!!
Forget Ontario, if they don’t want it they shouldn’t be allowed to get it!
Let’s worry about getting the UFC to Arizona 1st, then we will worry about the tards that don’t want it!
Phoenix, Tucson….. we want it HERE!
I am on my knees…. PLEASE MR. DANA WHITE, GIVE US A SHOT AT A F*CKING SHOW!
Give a man to fish and feed him for a day. Kick his stupid ass and maybe he will leave you alone.
The people in ontario want it bad
And dana wants to have the ufc in ontario 100 times more than fuckin arizona lol, he could give 2 shits about hosting an event there.
One idiot in Ontario doesn't want it
One idiot in Arizona does want it. Who do you think Dana is worried about?
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
Ontario. It'll get approved, just a matter of time.
Tito interviewing Babalu: "I want to tell me what you see, let's go ahead and see by the fight, what you saw, in the ring."
Tito interviewing Fedor: "Let me tell you how you feeling right now?"
Hmmm
Maybe an unfortunate accident should happen to Mcguinty
He just wants to help your economy!
After you FRENCHIES almost KILLED Lesnar he wants to get some cash flow up there.
And I don’t care if you aren’t from that part of Canada, I don’t have time to seperate all the Frenchies into groups.
Give a man to fish and feed him for a day. Kick his stupid ass and maybe he will leave you alone.
Or the I.Q.
You have no idea what you are talking about, but thanks for coming out.
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
Sure I do
I heard it from an American that is used to getting real health care. I expect a Frenchie to think it’s okay because it’s all you have ever known. Do we need to look up what Brock said?
Give a man to fish and feed him for a day. Kick his stupid ass and maybe he will leave you alone.
In fact
They have been talking about going to Mexico City too, probably the same reasons. Dana is a great man looking to help 3rd world countries.
Give a man to fish and feed him for a day. Kick his stupid ass and maybe he will leave you alone.
LOL
OK. So I have never been to an American hospital? Have you ever tried getting treated here, as an American visitor? Canadian Health Care isn’t the only one I am familiar with on a personal level. See the difference between someone who knows what they are talking about and you, is experience. I don’t get my info from some random American dude and make it my gospel.
Brock was given a free check up(they diagnosed him with Diverticulitis before the Americans did) and he decided he didn’t want the operation. What is wrong with that? He was diagnosed in AMERICA before coming to Canada(where he owns land) and those AMERICAN doctors said he had MONO. Yeah, I can see where the Canadian FREE HEALTH CARE screwed Brock.
If my mind serves me…..
You are the dude who Dana gave the free tickets to. You and your wife sat cage side at the Battle for the Troops or something didn’t you? You are the biggest Dana NutHugger who ever lived. Your opinion on any subject within the UFC is so bias I want to kick you in the face.
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
I remember what you look like
Perfect example of a pip squeek Key Board Warrior. Run along.
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
If that's true then what a waste of free tickets
What a moron, lumping all Canadians together.
Sucks that Ontario aren’t getting legalised MMA anytime soon, almost as bad as the fact that racist morons are given free UFC tickets.
"If I could change my name what would it be? Jesus"
Tito Ortiz (seriously...)
Truth
But I don’t care about Ontario MMA. Montreal is a much better city to visit. It’s only 6 hours to Montreal.
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
True - and the chicks are easier and hotter
6hrs to Mtrl from TO……
Hey - who cuts your hair?
Cheech Marin - Up in Smoke
by hairybumcrack on Feb 17, 2010 8:24 PM EST up reply actions
Know what I'm sayin?
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
who says we dont want it?
It’s the politicians who are holding off on it, not the people. McGuinty didn’t say no, he said it’s not a priority. We want it in Ontario?
There’s a reason why Dana’s pushing Ontario, cuz he knows this is where the money is. Most of the fans that attend the Montreal cards drive from Toronto.
Phoenix? I hope you get it oneday, but please don’t put yourself in the same class as Toronto.
Tito interviewing Babalu: "I want to tell me what you see, let's go ahead and see by the fight, what you saw, in the ring."
Tito interviewing Fedor: "Let me tell you how you feeling right now?"
I'll make a couple calls...get this straightened out
Fedor invented a language that incorporates Sambo and Kimuras.
So next time FEDOR is kicking your ass, don't be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.
You were supposed to call on that Racist game cover for UFC 2010...
Once again the strong arm has let me down ..
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on Feb 17, 2010 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
O damn,
Thanks for the entertainment yesterday. Poor guy never knew what hit him.
FUCK YOU TITO! - Mark Coleman
LOL
It ended up being way more trouble than it was worth in the end… I ran in to this couple that will not stop badgering me now..
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on Feb 17, 2010 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
grow up you tit, the only reason you think you are being badgered is because you have one of the worst cases of the verbal shits i have ever encountered.....
you may aswell put your fingers in your ears and run around the room shouting la la la i can’t hear you, i can’t hear you. “really gave that guy some shit” and “he didn’t know what hit him” yeah you really showed him……… i bet he thinks twice about conversing with you again od……..
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
see?
Is there like a spary for people like this or how do you get rid of this ?? lol
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on Feb 17, 2010 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
spray*
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on Feb 17, 2010 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
u missed nada Kev
It’s pretty Juvenile actually; I just can’t help myself sometimes lol .
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on Feb 17, 2010 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
hello kevin
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
Freedom can't keep Kevin's dick out of his mouth!!!
AND EVERYONE STOP REPLYING TO PRETTYBOY! HE IS HERE FOR ATTENTION!!!
MBOW
I commented on that same thing yesterday. He’s in love with him, I believe.
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
now now girls...
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
as you can obviously see.....
i am totally in love with kevin, because he speaks such sense all of the time, and not once does he portray himself to know more than anyone else, and not once does he look for any credit, he just beavers away for the benefit of all of us fans, the man is a saint. i love you kevin x
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 5:15 PM EST up reply actions
You're a good dude
And I get along with you. But you have been calling out to him a lot the past couple days. What is that all about? Didn’t you guys have a giant argument a couple days ago? You don’t have to try to be nice to Kev to get back in his good books, he doesn’t take any of this seriously. He’s as laid back as they come.
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
lol...........
kevin is kevin, and i’m not being nice, that was as sarcastic as they come, although i like kevin i do not agree with his opinionated views, and i will allways disagree with his opinionated views, but it doesn’t mean i dont like him, and me being me, with kevin being kevin,(if that makes any sense), we will allways argue, forever……i was taking the piss… no offence kevin…..
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
in a brother/ sister type of way
but i’m not the sister
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
lol "i will never agree with what he says"
your a cool guy…but you wouldn’t agree. do you realize what an ignorant comment that is? I try to make honest thought out points, if you agree or disagree, fine, I am trying to get you guys thinking a bit!
kevin................
that is the point, your points are never thought out, but an opinionated kevin view of things that occur in kevins world…… how are you anyways, good basketball game?
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 6:47 PM EST up reply actions
go read my latest fan shot
and tell me if it’s thought out. I’m one of the few guys that think out every comment I make and look at other comments objectively. Opinions are just that, opinions, no one has the same!
LOL
I agree with no one’s opinion. I have some of my own -Ivan Turgenev
"He broke tim sylvia’s arm…...So what?" – Brock Lesnar
yes but normall people display certain things called logic, humility etc to their thoughts, which you don't....
how are you doing anyways kevin, you ok, still taking your medication?
only joking…..
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 8:38 PM EST up reply actions
Canada is a huge market...
but Dalton will have to bend and thank God for MMA being there.
"Once Flamengo, Flamengo until die"
Dalton is a piece of shit who drags his heels on everything
I have no idea how that dude is still in office. We as Ontarians do have bigger things on our plate than getting MMA sanctioned here….Like getting rid of Dalton.
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
AND
then getting MMA sanctioned
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on Feb 17, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
2nd. I hate Dalton.
24 campaign promises running for Premier. Less than 60 days in office and 17 promises already broken.
lol.
I don’t like mainlanders, but it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that UFC would bring in HUGE money to toronto/ontario. Dalton is clearly a doofus of epic proportions.
I hear Danny is out of the hospital
Funny how he was in a US hospital eh?
Easliy my fav Premier in Canada. One of my best clients is good friends with him.
Case in Point
In May I will be traveling to MTL and spending somewhere near $1200 just for the UFC show and cost of attending…etc.
Why does my home Province not want my money???
Thanks to whoever upgraded my post (not expected). Big improvement.
Ontario could have my money too.
It would sell so fast, ticket prices on the street would be insane. Dalton is actually saving me a lot of money.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. - Herm Albright
How man dollars would a UFC event help the local economy? Does this man not realize big sporting events help local business?
“It’s just not a priority for us at this point in time, we have higher priorities when it comes to developing those jobs and strengthening the economy. We have other things on the go right now, and we’ll stay focused on those, whether that’s our tax reforms, stimulating the economy through investments in infrastructure, getting our children better opportunities at the outset.”
I know it’s not a long term thing but the fact that the UFC would draw a huge fan base spending all kinds of money in the local market would help many companies in the area. Vancouver is holding the Olympics and had time amongst all the other things they were doing? I think this is just a BS excuse.
"He broke tim sylvia’s arm…...So what?" – Brock Lesnar
your right Puck
I know several bar/pub owners in TO. and since the Maple Leafs have been failing to make the Playoffs these guys are losing 15% of the yearly revenue. People are not eating and drinking at bars – they are not taking transit – they are not parking.
It’s a ripple effect.
The current Government is dead weight. Thank god this is a municipal election year. We might get a Mayor that is business savvy.
Exactly what it is.
He might have to get off his ass and work for this to go through. I would rather drive to Montreal(6 hours) then watch a fight at Skydome anyway(30 minutes). Oh yeah, it’s still Skydome not the rogers center.
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
yep
Fedor invented a language that incorporates Sambo and Kimuras.
So next time FEDOR is kicking your ass, don't be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.
Not to me
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
why do some people have such a rod up their arse....
i thought canada was one of the most multicultural, forward thinking countries in the developed world…….how can the country that has made my favourite show of all time, the home of the samsquanch, and the best rapper of all time, not allow mma in certain states?? knock knock authoriteis…
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 2:24 PM EST reply actions
even though you all nearly killed brock with your barbaric health care....lol....
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
The UFC is pretty much trying to hand the province millions of dollars but he's to busy to accept
What a tard.
"He broke tim sylvia’s arm…...So what?" – Brock Lesnar
freedom
Your fave show of all time? TPB?
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
yes, that is why i am currently at war with canada, cos they have stopped it...
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
i've watched every episode at least 27 times, and that is partly where my name comes from
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
the other part is i got divorced at 35
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
I love that show
You missed a good discussion on that show a while back.
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
super happy fun show or something with alex lifeson in it?
just downloaded countdown to liquor day about a month ago, and i was a bit dissapointed, i think it was cos i knew it was the last one, but clattenberg still says they may make some specials apparantly.
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
Had the same feeling about that movie
The whole time I was watching it I was thinking….Is this going to be the last scene I ever see Bubs in?
OD is incredibly handsome, coureagous and self sacrificing in his endeavour to educate me on MMA and evolve my primitive understanding of the sport; I salute you sir.
was cool he got a girlfriend though......
but, way of the road buddy, way of the road….
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
sweet holy fuck boys.........
i’m going to watch “a mans gotta eat” now, where lahey shoots ricky with the bow and arrow, when ricky is arguing with randy over a cheese burger and looks like randy is doing his “smokey” stuff, funny as fuck
love, don't hate - freedom
freedom is not a nasty person, speak sense to him and he's fine - elvis presley
by freedomthrtyfve on Feb 17, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Canad: Where you can Fuck a 14 year old but not have MMA events
maybe just Ontario.
Fedor played Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun and won.
AMERICA.....FUCK YEAH
canada is taken care of
they have mfc and the other brand that signed kang.the ufc needs to come to california again,i missed 104,and i need to get my cdl to drive san jose and watch strikeforce.whatever i hve a ride to watch urijah faber die at the hands of jose aldo.
"When are people going to realize that G.S.P is half man half amazing!!!"
Peter Merino(myself)...no im not famous but my quote was published on the ufc website
by mmasavvy on Feb 17, 2010 3:38 PM EST via mobile reply actions
RIP Urijah
i hope cecil peoples isnt judging the cerrone fight again.lol.
"When are people going to realize that G.S.P is half man half amazing!!!"
Peter Merino(myself)...no im not famous but my quote was published on the ufc website
by mmasavvy on Feb 17, 2010 3:41 PM EST via mobile reply actions
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