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kbuntu · 12-17-2009, 07:54 PM

I hope this hasn't been posted yet. On my way to work I've read that the UFC has booked a pay-per-view event in June 2010 at GM Place, Vancouver, BC.

I couldn't believe my eyes. Damn I can't wait !!. Here is the article:

Quote:

Vancouver city councillors will vote on the future of mixed martial arts today.

Coun. Heather Deal told 24 hours a new staff report recommends a two-year trial to hold professional MMA events.

But it must first survive a vote at City Hall this morning.

While several councillors have reservations about the sport - COPE Coun. David Cadman has long been opposed - Deal believes there will be enough votes to go forward.

"There should be enough votes, but it won't be a slam dunk. Wrong sport, it's not a tap out, I guess," said Deal, who admits she's still working on her MMA terminology.

Deal said the report shows the city has done its homework and ensures it'll be legally covered until the federal government revamps its outdated prize fighting legislation.

UFC executive vice-president Lawrence Epstein and assistant general counsel Michael Mersch will be on hand to speak to council.

The popular organization has already booked a June date with GM Place for a pay-per-view event in Vancouver.

Vancouver police spokesperson Const. Lindsey Houghton said the department will also make a presentation in favour of MMA events.

"We support any properly regulated and sanctioned event," he said. "It's up to the promoters to ensure there is enough security."

He said the notion that criminals tend to flock to MMA events is "largely unfounded."

"It's not different than any major sports event," he said.

The sport has been banned in Vancouver since 2007 and is technically not permitted under the Criminal Code of Canada's section on prizefights.

thuggedout · 12-17-2009, 08:00 PM

http://www.theprovince.com/sports/fi...189/story.html

I AM SO THERE

Quote:

Vancouver city council Thursday approved a UFC event tentatively scheduled for early June at GM Place.

After a long debate that touched on violence, safety and civic liability, the council decided to permit a two-year trial period for mixed martial arts licences in the city.

Laurence Epstein of the Ultimate Fighting Championship flew in for Thursday's crucial vote.

"We've done this all over the world, and the debate that happened here was one of the deepest debates I've heard," said Epstein, who has been fighting for years to have MMA bouts in Vancouver.

"We've actually never lost a vote anywhere in the world. It's an education process," he said.

Harvey Jones, vice-president of Arena Operations with the Vancouver Canucks, said two dates in early June are potential UFC openings.

"We're in the business of bringing entertainment to Vancouver, and this is a world-class event," said Jones. "We deal with a lot of promoters and a lot of events — I've never dealt with a group more professional than the UFC."

Three councillors — Raymond Louie, Ellen Woodsworth and Andrea Reimer — opposed the motion, and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson was out of town.

kbuntu · 12-17-2009, 08:15 PM

ohhh my god. thats it. thats just awesome. Wonder what changed their minds suddenly. I guess they need some money suddenly.

**dudeabides** · 12-17-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

"It's not different than any major sports event," he said.

That's what I always think, and wonder how long it will take some of those places to get out of the dark ages. But glad Vancouver isn't one of them anymore, and hoping it goes for all mma, not just when a UFC rolls in.

**Canadian Psycho** · 12-17-2009, 08:29 PM

Nice. I'm closer to Montreal, so I usually catch those events, but first timers are usually special... have a feeling they'll put something great together for the Van audience. Might have to leave June open, lol.

**MagiK11** · 12-17-2009, 08:30 PM

I"m from Ottawa and might take a flight or major road trip to see this.

Great news overall.

**swpthleg** · 12-17-2009, 08:46 PM

I bet NYS will be one of the last holdouts. Because we don't need money or anything silly like that.

IndependentMOFO · 12-17-2009, 09:57 PM

Now if we can get Ontario MMA's domination of Canada will be complete! But any time a state or province legalizes MMA, it's a great day for all it's fans.

...and I won't have to drive eight hours to Montreal or a few days to Vancouver, but rather two hours to Toronto.

UFC on VHS · 12-17-2009, 10:16 PM

Damm.

How much is like a really cheap tickets in the back? I don't expect to be up close and I wouldn't mind just watching the bigscreens and feeling the energy of the crowd.

**Rygu** · 12-17-2009, 11:59 PM

This is long overdue, but damn im jacked.

When do tickets go on sale anyone know?

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