Joe Ferraro

A dubious police check doomed David Loiseau's chance to fight at UFC 113 in Montreal.

BREAKING NEWS: Jason MacDonald has signed a contract to replace David Loiseau at UFC 113.

They say if you do not learn from history, you are doomed to repeat it. It's safe to say that looking at the previous actions of the Quebec Athletic Commission (QAC), can we really be surprised that for no apparent reason, they pick and choose who they license based on no real logic? Case and point: UFC veteran David Loiseau.

The Crow was recently re-signed by the UFC and was expected to compete at UFC 113 vs. John Salter, but the moment the QAC got involved, the professional athlete was no longer allowed to do his job.

Sources tell me that Loiseau is on some sort of invisible suspension list, stemming back to when he sold his previous MMA promotion, "XMMA". He had apparently decided that his fighting career should be his priority and walked away after the sale. When it was all said and done, those who took over the organization were allegedly involved with organized crime.

Loiseau has maintained that once he left the company, he was unaware of what the organization began doing and that he was no longer a decision maker for XMMA. In essence, what they did was their business - he was focusing on returning to the UFC.

But although only one party was charged after the organization folded, many of those who fought, worked or were literally around XMMA, have felt the brunt of the QAC's iron-fisted approach to doing business.

Fighters were questioned about their involvement, with many apparently being threatened that they would never be licensed again if they didn't "answer questions".

Many in the province have suggested that the commission acts as if it is a police force, investigating things that should truly be looked at by the law, not an extension of the government that oversees combat sports.

"The Crow" surely feels slighted by his own commission. This is a fighter who has never been in a street fight before. He told me he's never taken a drug in his life, does not drink and has never ever smoked a cigarette. Martial arts was his love from day one, and it helped him live a clean life, a role model to look up to while paving the way as a pioneer for the sport in Canada. To be treated this way by the commission is a heartbreaker for one of Canada's best middleweights.

Regean Theriault of the QAC informed me that a request was made to the police for a criminal background check of Loiseau's record. The police have yet to reply, and that is apparently the reason for the hold up. He also suggested that if the QAC does receive the file and all is well, Loiseau will receive his licence on May 3.

Unfortunately that will be too late, as the UFC has moved on and brought in sportsnet.ca's own Jason MacDonald as a replacement fighter.

Looking at the history of fighters, promoters and seconds that the QAC has licensed before, it's not difficult to figure out the obvious ones that raise eyebrows, when it comes to questionable law abiding citizens. Most believe everyone deserves a fair shake, not matter what past someone has. I tend to concur. If someone has paid their dues to society, they should be licensed. I also believe that every case is different, so I can understand if certain athletes may never see the inside of a ring or cage in Quebec.

This is a commission that is no stranger to controversy: we all recall what happened last year, with the UFC 97 show nearly being relocated, until last minute meetings changed their mind. Their demands withered down to "no foot stomps".

In speaking with a few parties, I am being told that only the UFC is allowed to use the Unified Rules of MMA in Quebec, while also being the only organization allowed to use a large cage. Other promoters who are hoping to hold shows in the near future have apparently been told they cannot use a circular cage and that they must follow the rules that are currently law in Quebec.

There is much more to this story that will develop over the next few days, but various sources from within the commission have told me for years that changes need to be made for the betterment of MMA in Quebec.

My previous experience with them (promoting, etc) has been one of hills and valleys - just when you think all is going well, they will throw a curveball your way that makes no sense. But, you either meet their demand, or your show will not go off.