Mixed martial arts fans and mixed martial artists have craved it for a long time. Dana White fuelled the fire when he declared Canadians the best MMA fans. Now, we the people have a chance to bring MMA once step closer to being legalized in Ontario.
On Saturday, May 22, Ontario MMA supporters will gather and rally at Queen’s park. The event lasts from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The goal is to establish for Premiere Dalton McGuinty that MMA is a sport, and an honourable one at that, as opposed to a violent, “extreme” sport, which is how some detractors label it. If boxing was sanctioned 80 years ago, it’s time Ontario’s dinosaurs realized that MMA is just as important (and, arguably, safer) than boxing and finally made competitive bouts legal in the province.
One way to prove MMA’s legitimacy is to show Ontario how many businesses have accepted MMA as a true sport. The long list includes schools, equipment manufacturers, radio/television, sports medicine companies, energy drink brands and nutrition product companies.
Renaissance man Jeff Joslin will host the event. He’s a radio announcer, MMA coach and competitor – a great example that fighters aren’t just thrill seekers and can instead be intelligent, well-spoken businessmen. He’ll be joined by MMA community members like Carlos Newton, the UFC’s first Canadian champion, and Sam Stout, an up-and-comer hailing from London, Ontario.
So how can you contribute to the cause? First off, showing up goes a long way. Strength in numbers proves the point that MMA is no longer a niche hobby but a world-class sport with millions of followers.
Secondly, you can get the word out. Tell your friends, family or anyone else who believes in mixed martial arts. If you’re a blogger, a filmmaker, anyone with a public voice – cover the event. Let the Ontario MMA representatives speak out and make their case to Mr. McGuinty.
Lastly, and perhaps most important, be civil. There are few things sadder than a group of lobbyists getting too rowdy or violent; doing so totally distracts from a cause and only labels protesters as irrational and irresponsible.
That last tip is especially important in MMA given that it’s a combat sport. Less enlightened members of the Ontario government may write MMA off under the stereotype of a barbaric sport performed by violent, tattooed adrenaline junkies. If anyone at the rally gets too rowdy and causes trouble, that stereotype will only be perpetuated.
So do your best to show at the rally and be passionate. But realize that there’s a line you don’t want to cross. Put your energy toward rallying people and disseminating a clear, logical message – not toward anti-government sentiment or chaos.
Legalize MMA in Toronto and Ontario
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