UFC 97 in Jeopardy??
Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:36 am
I'm sure you guys have heard of this story... But incase you haven't, UFC 97 is in danger of not taking place in quebec. The sticking points are in the octagon size, on allowing elbows and knees, and on how a knockdown via strikes requires a ref stopage to ensure the fighters can continue... Apperently the QAC (Quebec Athletic Commision) was "unaware" that there was previously a UFC event in montreal... I'm sure they never heard that GSP was facing Matt Serra for the title in an event that set a record for gate and attendance, and was promoted heavily by two out of the 3 major players in Canadian Sports Television.
Anyways, Dana and Co. are heading to Montreal this week to attempt to rectify the situation. It just blows my mind that they "hadn't heard of any other event" being in quebec when TKO was based in Quebec and operated for years under the unified MMA rules, and there was the previous UFC event. I really hope they do rectify this as Dana has stated many times, Canada is always the biggest portion of PPV buys for there events, lots of candians go to the events... its basically that MMA is huge here and I'd be shocked if the commision didn't let this event go off... especially in this economy.
anyways, I've attached the commisions rules, article 195.4 is referencing the octagon size, 195.28 references the elbows and knees. I'm not sure where exactly is the rule about a guy needing the ref to check on him following a legal strike knockdown.
http://www2.publicationsduquebec.gouv.q ... c29ffe9ec6
Anyways, this is a farce. And it would be a travesty if this sold out... event can't go off. BTW, great timing QAC, I love how you make the announcement after the event sells out...
Anyways, Dana and Co. are heading to Montreal this week to attempt to rectify the situation. It just blows my mind that they "hadn't heard of any other event" being in quebec when TKO was based in Quebec and operated for years under the unified MMA rules, and there was the previous UFC event. I really hope they do rectify this as Dana has stated many times, Canada is always the biggest portion of PPV buys for there events, lots of candians go to the events... its basically that MMA is huge here and I'd be shocked if the commision didn't let this event go off... especially in this economy.
anyways, I've attached the commisions rules, article 195.4 is referencing the octagon size, 195.28 references the elbows and knees. I'm not sure where exactly is the rule about a guy needing the ref to check on him following a legal strike knockdown.
http://www2.publicationsduquebec.gouv.q ... c29ffe9ec6
Anyways, this is a farce. And it would be a travesty if this sold out... event can't go off. BTW, great timing QAC, I love how you make the announcement after the event sells out...