As 2009 progresses, the UFC appears to be making a variety of changes not only for their cards in the US and UK, but are also setting the stage for some big shows in Canada and Brazil.Furthering their lobbying efforts to hold an event in the city of Toronto, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has enlisted the services of former Ontario Premier, David Peterson’s law firm ( http://mmapayout.com/2009/09/ufc-lobbying-for-criminal-code-changes-at-federal-level-in-canada/ ) to change Section 83 of the Criminal Code. It is this code ( that defines “prizefighting” across the country ) that has been a major hurdle in the province of Ontario. It is their definition of this section that has prevented any sort of MMA events from occurring on Ontario soil. This is great news for all MMA fans, including yours truly, who has been trying to get the Ontario Athletic Commission on board since 1999.
The UFC is also looking at hitting Brazil soon ( http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/9/4/1015109/ufc-works-to-change-mmas-image-in ). With a TV deal now in place as well as so many incredible fighters coming out of Brazil, perceptions are changing in the one country that brought us the Gracies, as well as current champions, Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida. 2010 appears to be the year that the sport will once again blow up in Brazil and the Octagon may be erected in Rio or San Paulo in 2011.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s column, the Rampage / Evans bout for UFC 107 was destined to be moved. Today we get word that this is actually the case, ( http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Rampage-off-UFC-107-Why-is-UFC-in-Memphis-?urn=mma,187415 ) due to what Dana White is probably fuming at right now: Rampage Jackson’s “role” as BA Baracus in the upcoming release of “The A-Team”. Seeing as the event was set to occur in Rampage’s hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, a thirteen week reality show and a three week Primetime Series, something tells me the UFC brass are not happy campers today.
Yesterday I touched on the Sean Salmon issue (where he backtracked on saying he threw a fight) and I knew that it wouldn’t take long for the first domino to fall. With the Ohio suspending Salmon until an October hearing, we can now add New Jersey’s Athletic Commission to honour the suspension ( http://www.fightopinion.com/2009/09/03/nick-lembo-and-njacb-issue-public-statement-on-sean-salmon/ ). Don’t be surprised is this suspension is also picked up by Nevada State as well, and all others in between.
One thing I did forget to mention yesterday was the “Bring Back Big John McCarthy” Twitter Bomb ( http://www.fightlinker.com/so-it-begins.mma ) campaign aimed at Dana White. Well, there’s already an update to inform everyone to get the word out ( http://www.fightlinker.com/more-on-the-big-john-twitter-bomb.mma ). I’ve spoken to Dana about this a few times and he seems luke warm on the idea. The way I figure it, if Dana can reconcile with Tito Ortiz and others, I firmly believe, for the betterment of the sport he loves so much, he will hopefully turn the corner with Big John. Mind you, this should also work if a few other people are contacted, namely Marc Ratner, Keith Kizer and Nick Lembo…I’m just saying.
To all of you wondering about Monday’s show and emailing me to stay away from all the food here in Italy – well, Tito Ortiz will be covering while I’m gone ( http://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/2009/09/04/ortiz_mma_connected/ ) and I cannot stay away from the food – but I am getting my workouts in. We’ll see if I can maintain my GSP weight, or if Lyoto Machida may be in my future instead. Do the math – I know – it’s ugly.
Click here to subscribe to Ferraro's blog