Ontario Loves the UFC

by Zak Woods on Jan 24, 2010 5:07 PM EST Comment 4 comments

Watch out Toronto!

While the MMA ban in New York has yet to be lifted the atmosphere within the Empire State has changed to the point where most observers believe MMA will be legal by the end of the year.

That optimistic outlooks means that the UFC is beginning to focus more attention on the other big North American market where MMA is still illegal: Ontario, Canada.

Marc Ratner recently stated that Ontario is overrun with UFC fans.

"When we look at our TV ratings and our pay-per-view buys, on a per-capita basis, Toronto and Ontario are the No. 1 places in the world," UFC executive Marc Ratner tells the Toronto Sun. "It's unbelievably popular in the province of Ontario and especially Toronto."

This is a standard part of the UFC's lobbying playbook. Step one: talk about how popular the sport is within the region. Step two: higher top lobbying firm. Step three: release study trumpeting the economic benefits of legalized MMA. Step four: take pictures of legislatures with strippers and blackmail them until they lift the ban.

It is a tried-and-true method for getting things done in the democratic process.

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Read More: ontario, ufc, toronto, canada, mma ban, new york

Comments

It’s true, I live in Toronto, and you don’t even have to look for a bar that’s shows the UFC fights, you pretty much just go to the nearest pub. Doesn’t even have to be a full-on sports bar.

by agentsmith on Jan 24, 2010 8:42 PM EST reply actions

And people have the nerve to say blogging is not as respectable as print

by Sonic Boom on Jan 25, 2010 12:33 AM EST reply actions

nothing wrong with trying to make ppl laugh

watchkalibrun.com

by Zak Woods on Jan 25, 2010 12:06 PM EST up reply actions

Speaking of Canada, good news for Canuck viewers: the “UFC on Versus” fights will be broadcast in Canada on The Score. Ironically, that probably makes it even more accessible in Canada than in the US, since The Score is available even on non-digital cable and isn’t a “premium” channel.

The last WEC event was also broadcast live on The Score, which I’m pretty sure was a first. And there was much rejoicing.

by agentsmith on Jan 25, 2010 1:40 PM EST reply actions