The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has been trying to enter the market in Ontario for years now, being deemed illegal by the Ontario Government, this was just a dream by President Dana White who was very excited once the sport ban was abolished in August. Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc. (HECFI) want to bring a show to Hamilton. With record sell-outs in Montreal and Vancouver, this would be a logical choice to bring in economic activity in the city. It is estimated that one UFC event, with 30,000 fans can generate up to 6 million dollars in the local economy. With all the struggles that HEFCI has been having lately, this could be a much needed lifeline. The Ontario Government announced that it will start accepting applications for MMA events as of Jan 1st 2011, with HECFI, CEO Duncan Gillespie showing interest immediately. “I think it will be a huge draw” said Gillespie. This Saturday the event in Montreal (UFC 124) is expected to break the North American MMA record at the Bell Centre, which is expected to draw 23,000 fans that are coming out to see local hero and UFC Champion, Georges St. Pierre take on Josh Koscheck. One can see why HECFI would be excited about bringing a show to Hamilton, but in all reality we might have to wait for Toronto to get their shot first, in which I believe will easily break the record set this Saturday at the Bell Centre. Local fighter Jeff Joslin helped put Hamilton on the MMA map when he fought Josh Koscheck 4 years ago, losing a tough decision.
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