Joe Ferraro

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

While Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty says MMA will have to wait, rest assured it's still on track.

Recent comments made by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty have sent the MMA world into a tailspin, but upon further examination, those who are overreacting will eventually see a brighter picture.

When it comes to where his government stands on regulating MMA in Ontario, McGuinty told reporters in Toronto Wednesday: "It's just not a priority for us at this point in time; we have higher priorities when it comes to developing those jobs and strengthening the economy."

It's been the same positioning since 1993, so why there is such an uproar is almost humourous.

While the Liberal leader appeared to sweep this issue aside, such was not the case for his opposition. Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak stated: "It seems like Premier McGuinty is wrestling with himself."

He went on to say, "Let's just get on with it. Forty states allow for mixed martial arts, five other provinces -- just direct your minister to make it happen in the province of Ontario. Let's bring some tourism dollars to our province."

With an election in the not-too-distant future, can you guess who the coveted demographic of 18-to-35-year-olds may choose to vote for?

McGuinty also stated that, "We have other things on the go right now, and we'll stay focused on those, whether that's our tax reforms, stimulating the economy through investments in infrastructure, getting our children better opportunities at the outset."

Fair enough, but let's be honest here: the wheels have already been in motion for quite some time to educate his own cabinet, with the vast majority by Zuffa, the owners of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and the lobbyist firm they hired in 2009, Cassels Brock and Blackwell.

Speaking with Noble Chummar, Zuffa's legal representation (via Cassels Brock and Blackwell), he assures that all is fine and the efforts to complete the task at hand are moving ahead at a steady pace.

"We are encouraged by the progress we have made thus far," stated Chummar by telephone.

"We continue to work on ways to educate government officials and those within the cabinet. We fully understand the premier's recent comments that sanctioning MMA is not at the top of the priority list and nor do we expect it to be."

While there are those who are deeply entrenched in the MMA universe seeing red right now, McGuinty's statements were likely a simple reaction to fielding a plethora of questions, none of which had anything to do with MMA in Ontario. By many accounts, the question about the sport in Ontario came out of left field.

And according to Chummar, MMA advocates need to bestow a little more patience on the lobbying process.

"Once the education process shows the economic impact and stability MMA can bring to the Ontario economy, as well as the high standards we recommend for fighter -- and consumer -- safety at events, I am confident our goal will be achieved."

I personally have the utmost faith in Chummar and the firm's capability in realizing this long-lasting goal. If there's one thing I've learned since the late nineties, it's this: when it comes to regulating MMA in Ontario, there will be highs and there will be lows and today is no different than any other day when the sport appeared "close" to being sanctioned.

Patience is key... let nature take its course, and before you know it, there will be various events at the Rogers Centre and Air Canada Centres in Toronto, Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, the John Labbatt Centre in London and even my own events I plan on holding at...

Ah yes... in time. It will all happen in time.