The UFC Versus Gay Pride Parade

With the recent gay pride parade and supposed controversy about the event receiving federal aid, now seems like a great time to debate the merits of holding UFC events in Ontario. I have been on record as supporting funding for the parade as it does deliver a great amount of economic aid and stimulus to both the city, province, and federal government. However, the parade does cause quite a bit of criticism, most which is justified due to some displaying certain body parts that should really be covered in a public event. Of course when ever these complaints are brought forward, the usual suspects. led by David Miller, are quick to bring out the line about how much money the event generates for the city. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty also uses the financial aspect as a way of fending off complaints of lewd public displays and inappropriate behavior.

Which brings me to the debate on why the Ultimate Fighting Championship is still banned in the province. while David Miller has no say in the event being allowed, one would think he would be first in line lobbying for the event to be held. And one might think Dalton McGuinty and his government might be putting forth an argument for allowing the sport to hold events in the province, as the economic benefits are huge. Recent UFC events held in Montreal generated $50 million for the city and province. The UFC wants to hold an event at Rogers Centre, which has a far greater seating capacity of 50,000. The UFC has come a long way since it's early days, when it was rightly considered human cockfighting.

But now the UFC has become probably the most polished sport in North America, with sold-out events and a huge pay-per-view audience. Add in the fact the event would require no taxpayer money, would be held in a private complex, would bring tourists to Toronto, bring in tax dollars, put Toronto on the map with a huge pay TV event, and it seems like a no-brainer. In a city and province struggling, the silence of the politicians speaks volumes. Gay Pride fits their socialist ideology, MMA fighting does not, proving that the funds generated by Gay Pride events are just used as a means of explaining away holding the event. The UFC notes on its website that no fighter has been seriously injured at an event. As pointed out in CTV's article today, "Then again, Canada's national sport has its fair share of blood and hard head hits, and for many Ontario MMA fans, its hard not to point out the hypocrisy. "

And all that garbage generated at the Rogers Centre would be taken care of by private workers.