MMA LEGALIZED IN ONTARIO: Part 3

Part 3: The ripple effect

Our MMA in Ontario discussion continues. We’ve covered the obvious returns of legalizing the sport in Ontario: the announcement itself and what we can expect from major promotions like the UFC.

But what about the deeper, long-term effects of the decision? How will MMA’s fanhood and amateur fighting scene change now that it’s arrived on our doorstep?

At the highest level – the top promotions like the UFC and Strikeforce – legalizing MMA should increase the sport’s fan base. The die-hard fans will watch events no matter where they are and how much it costs. But bringing live events to Ontario should bring some newbies out of the woodwork. Certain types of sports fans are turned off by pay-per-view prices but relish the experience of seeing live competition. As a result, events in cities and towns across the province – in Toronto, Kitchener, London, Ottawa and son on – could turn some sceptics into brand new fans.

Since Canada is arguably MMA’s most enthusiastic market – Dana White says as much – the increased local exposure in a populous province like Ontario could significantly raise the sport’s overall profile. We could see a major spike in pay-per-view buys and media coverage of MMA could increase, too. Fighters will also get more exposure, increasing their celebrity and endorsement potential.

Lastly and perhaps most importantly, bringing MMA to Ontario could have a fascinatingly positive effect on the province’s amateur-professional scene. The presence of live, sanctioned events will inspire more athletes to try mixed martial arts. It will also give existing amateur fighters more opportunities. Remember, not every sanctioned event has to be a top-level promotion like the UFC. We could see lots of small cards put together through the province.

That would give prospects many more opportunities to hone their skills. It would give Canadian mixed marital arts’ general skill level a chance to grow. It could also help keep fighters safer, as they could get more exposure to intermediate-level fight cards that would test their abilities without throwing them into the fire on higher-level cards for which they’re not ready.

It’s this last point that Dalton McGuinty overlooked for too long. Bringing the sport to Ontario wasn’t just about creating jobs and making money with large promotions, as much as doing so is great news. It was also about taking an outlet that young people would’ve sought out anyway and bringing it to their own backyard. Immersing our province in MMA will give everyone a better understanding of the honor and intricacies of the sport and help up-and-comers everywhere hone their crafts and stay safe.

When a province of over 13 million people gets its hands on MMA, we can’t underestimate how big the positive ripple effect will be.

About Grant Brothers Boxing & Mixed Martial Arts Gym: Based in North York, Grant Brothers Boxing & Mixed Martial Arts Gym offers world-class Boxing, BJJ, Judo, Muay Thai, Sambo, Wrestling, MMA and UFC training at real-world prices.  Classes are taught by certified coaches with classes for men, women, children, adults, beginners and advanced.  Private lessons and boxercise classes are also available. Areas serviced include North York, Etobicoke, Toronto, Scarborough, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Brampton and Mississauga.

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