Rogers Cable would love to have the MMA sanctioned in Ontario.
I never thought this day would actually come, but after 11 years of trying to help the efforts in sanctioning and regulating MMA in the province of Ontario, I can't help but feel that a huge step was taken Friday.
I had the chance to meet with David Purdy, VP and GM of Video Services for Rogers Cable on Thursday to discuss Rogers Cable's involvement in helping to bring the UFC to Ontario as well as the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.
Purdy was courteous enough to also go on the record Friday, as the Sportsnet crew joined me to get his thoughts on the subject.
In future episodes of "MMA Connected", we will showcase Purdy's thoughts on what and how he envisions the role of Rogers Cable in the longstanding plight to bring the sport to Ontario.
During the interview, Purdy discusse the sport's popularity, the obstacles that will need to be broken down prior to legalization and what the government of Ontario is missing by not having the UFC/MMA on their home soil.
The VP/GM was candid about filling the Rogers Centre and wants to set the UFC record for live attendance while smashing the current pay per view record. When I said 30,000 would be my prediction for fans, he quickly replied with a prediction of 55,000.
Be sure to tune into upcoming episodes of "MMA Connected" for a full interview with David Purdy and other individuals who believe the time has come for the province of Ontario to step into the cage, and let the fights finally happen on their turf.
"MMA CONNECTED" Mondays at 11:30pm.
