The provincial government has announced that it is going to allow mixed martial arts (MMA) events to take place in the province, though it will require them to be regulated.
Minister of Consumer Services Sophia Aggelonitis said the province has come around on the issue after seeing the benefits that MMA could bring to Ontario.
“Our government has been monitoring MMA for some time. We know that the sport has evolved and that Ontarians want to see it here,” Aggelonitis said in a statement released Saturday.
“My goal is to make sure we have the tools to keep the competitors safe, and provide an economic boost to communities that want to host MMA events.”
Ontario says it will adopt the same MMA rules that are in effect in other North American jurisdictions. Strict safety and medical standards will have to be met at licensed events.