MMA has been legalized in Ontario for almost ten years. The House of Commons passed a bill legalizing contact sports in August of 2010, but what is the public perception of the sport?
The CMA (Canadian Medical Association) has not been quiet while advocating for a ban on MMA prize-fighting matches, citing the increased risk for brain damage, along with broken limbs, lacerations, etc. Often criticized as a “blood sport” by news outlets, it’s not difficult to find countless articles vying to have MMA banned once again.
Of course, with any topic like this, there are opposing views; A 2006 John Hopkins study shows that knockout rates are nearly half of those in boxing matches, and zero deaths at the time the study was done; That has since changed to a total of seven during sanctioned contests.
After the death of Patrick Day in October of 2019, CNN published an article stating that an average of 13 boxers die each year from injuries sustained in the ring, yet there is significantly less push against boxing matches.
Many people who haven’t done much research are surprised by the popularity of the sport. “The CMA is seeking a ban, so why would it be legalized?” “Why would someone want to compete in a competition that would leave you so wounded?”
These are all questions that I’ve encountered while speaking with friends, family, and strangers who don’t agree with the concept of MMA.
As with any sports, there is a level of risk involved. You’d be hard-pressed to find a sport that has not had serious injuries occur, but does that have to equal a ban?
The men and women involved in professional events are not just kids off the street. They are serious athletes that spend day-in-day-out training their bodies to participate at this level of competition.
Though there will always be naysayers with anything, popularity in this field has been getting quite a bit of traction in Ontario, and it does not appear to be slowing down. Upcoming events such as BTC 9: Rampage show that there is a space for MMA, and increasing support.
What side of the cage will you be on?