Joe Ferraro

It seems Vancouver has again turned its back on MMA, but there's still a chance UFC 115 will go on.

The news broke fast and furious Monday about the UFC's decision to move UFC 115 from Vancouver to Cincinnati, but there is still hope for MMA fans on Canada's West Coast.

It was quite the day as I returned home from spending a week in the Tri-State area covering UFC 111. I finally unpacked, sat on my couch and was getting ready to catch up on some MMA related stories when I got the news that the Ultimate Fighting Championship decided to relocate UFC 115.

I contacted the UFC's VP of regulatory affairs Marc Ratner to get an update, but he was unaware of the rumoured changes. For those who do not know, Ratner is one of the most approachable, professional and honest sources I have had the pleasure of dealing with. His honesty channeled me to move up the UFC hierarchy to investigate a little further.

What I ended up finding out was that the rumour was true. The UFC had engaged "Plan B," and began looking south of the border for a venue to host the UFC 115 pay-per-view event.

My experience has taught me that the company has an unwritten policy to announce major events approximately 10-12 weeks in advance; and with this being eleven weeks from the proposed June 12 date, they had to make a decision quickly. In order to book a venue, meet the various state athletic commission requirements and began the process of selling tickets, the time was now.

While I was told that Cincinnati is their first choice, I couldn't help but feel for the MMA fans on the West Coast. What could have been a great event is just about done. And for reasons so inexplicable, it's borderline comedy.

Politicians within the city of Vancouver appear to be doing whatever it takes to prevent a UFC event, and MMA in general, from happening within their jurisdiction. Apparently they have even denied many of the reports that have surfaced that the UFC will no longer be holding shop there; however, perhaps they can explain why they have yet to announce or agree to holding the event. To me, denying is deflecting what appears to be the obvious: they simply do not want MMA within their city limits. If this is the case, why not just say that and stop the nonsense?

I also had the chance to speak with a source at the Vancouver Athletic Commission who stated last week they voted unanimously to sanction and regulate the UFC's event. I was also told that GM Place, the host venue, is also hoping this pay-per-view event can still take place. But the overall consensus was that the city was the true reason it may not happen.

It appears they are worried about getting sued, apparently from the fighters and, I'm hearing, the consumers.

If fighters sign a waiver that they understand what they are getting into, then what recourse can they have against the city? In terms of the consumers, what exactly is the city concerned about there? The city has held professional wrestling events, boxing cards, and even the Olympics, so again, what is the concern here?

They are also demanding that promoter's insure their events for $12 million. This eyebrow-raising, comical request is borderline ridiculous. One simply needs to look at other jurisdictions that sanction MMA to get feedback as to what best practices to adhere to. May I suggest those of Nevada and California, as well as Quebec? While each one of these commissions has its own faults, they still are able to do their job.

Vancouver is also looking at bouncing this municipal issue to the province. Time and time again, they must be reminded that the province does not have an athletic commission while the powers that be have expressly written back to the municipality that this issue is theirs, and only theirs to deal with. It does not fall onto the province’s lap. This red tape reminds me of the childish game you play with babies and toddlers, repeating the same thing over and over again, just to pass the time.

While this situation makes national (and international headlines), the UFC appears to remain patient. Within the organization, they have told me they are neither frustrated with the city, nor do they harbour ill feelings. They preach patience and understand that not all markets will welcome MMA with open arms... yet.

With that being said, if the city of Vancouver wants the UFC to come to town (and bring with them their easy $5 million to the local economy), they need to decide soon. It's safe to say if this is done by week's end, the UFC will announce their show. If not, it's not the UFC's loss... it's Vancouver's loss.

Time is of the essence here. They either make this work or they will prove once and for all that they simply do not want MMA in their city.

To that I say this: it will be very interesting to see who the 18-45 year-old demographic chooses to vote for on Nov. 19, 2011.