Ryan Remiorz
Ontario isn't ready to allow mixed martial arts fighting matches to be held in the province, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Wednesday even though events like the wildly popular Ultimate Fighting Championship could create new jobs.
While McGuinty has suggested in the past he was open to the idea, he now says bringing ultimate fighting to the province is not something he's ready to entertain.
"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," McGuinty said.
"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."
Asked outright whether he found something in ultimate fighting offensive, McGuinty declined to elaborate, nor did he say if he was closing the door on the sport altogether.
Ontario has objected to the 1-on-1 fights in the past, saying they're too violent. McGuinty has also suggested that regulating the sport may be a better option than banning it and forcing its followers into underground fights, with no medical precautions and little training.
Despite a strong fan base in Ontario, MMA fighting has long been banned because it's considered to be "prize fighting" - making it illegal under the federal Criminal Code.
It can be licensed by provincial athletics commissions however, something that has happened in various provinces and U.S. states.
MMA is one of the world's fastest-growing spectator sports and the UFC has claimed an event in Toronto could generate $4 million in tax revenue.
UFC president Dana White has called Canada the "Mecca" of his sport, citing healthy ticket sales to Canadians for shows around North America and elsewhere.
But for now, Ontario residents will have to continue to travel to Quebec or elsewhere if they want to watch the sport - which combines elements of fighting sports such as boxing, wrestling, kick-boxing, karate and jiu-jitsu - live.
Progressive Conservative Lisa MacLeod said the premier should make a final decision soon, since the possibility of bringing MMA to Ontario is an issue that has come up again and again.
"We're looking for any form of economic stimulus in this province and Mr. McGuinty doesn't have a credible plan for the economy and that might be one boost," she said.
"He says it's not a priority but he's got shifting priorities by the day."