Joe Ferraro

Carlos Newton, the first ever UFC welterweight champion from Canada, will be in attendance.

Ontarians have a chance to support MMA in the province by attending a rally at Queen’s Park Saturday

Organizers and guest speakers for "MMA Day," taking place this Saturday, May 22, agree that having a fan-friendly rally at Queen's Park can help raise awareness for the sport and pave the way for its sanctioning in the province of Ontario.

I was first approached about the idea by Neil Forrester, founder of The Substance Group, one of Canada's largest concert promoters. Forrester is quietly regarded as one of the most influential movers and shakers in the MMA industry, both in Ontario and across the country. He does a variety of work behind the scenes -- away from the media spotlight -- and seldom receiving the credit he deserves.

"I got involved in creating the rally as I feel it's a shame that thousands of people cannot enjoy their passion in there own backyard and have to travel to watch it live or compete," stated Forrester, also one of the owners of the Grant Brothers Boxing and MMA Gym in Toronto.

Forrester began recruiting whom he believed were parties that shared his vision, one of them being MMA Expo founder Gerald Chopik, who quickly jumped on board and began spearheading the movement.

"MMA Day on May 22 gives Ontario families, related industry workers and MMA athletes and fans the opportunity to raise awareness about not only how they, but the province at large, will benefit from MMA being sanctioned in the province," Chopik said.

"We are known as a progressive society; an inclusive society. Times change and our policies, politicians and our province must keep pace accordingly," added Chopik, who believes the timing couldn't be better for politicians to make a positive change for its voting constituents.

"Not that long ago, Ontarians battled the provincial ban on Sunday shopping, on having an alcoholic beverage with their meal and on the freedom to buy a lottery ticket if they so chose. Sanctioning the fastest-growing sport in the world is exactly the same scenario. Not everyone has to become an MMA fan; just like not everyone has to buy a lottery ticket.

"With MMA now sanctioned and doing well in a number of provinces across Canada, we are also missing out on the financial benefits that would result from approving the sport. The overall consensus is that sanctioning MMA is inevitable. So what are we waiting for Ontario?"

Chopik brings up one of the biggest eyebrow-raisers for many of our political leaders -- the economic impact MMA can bring to the province. It is estimated that with the three UFC events that have taken place in Montreal over the past three years, $20 million was gobbled up by La Belle Province. Financial analysts believe 50 per cent of the money spent came from Ontario. In essence, the province is agreeing to finance the profits of its bordering partner.

Forrester also recruited former UFC welterweight veteran Jeff Joslin, who jumped at the opportunity to be a part of history.

"Without hesitation, I chose to be a part of MMA Day, to support the sport that has given me everything good in my life."

Joslin, who also hosts a radio show in his hometown of Hamilton, comes from a family steeped in the traditions of martial arts.

"As an instructor, (MMA) competition had been my proving ground to see what techniques actually work in realistic situations. As a fighter, MMA has allowed me to support my family, travel the world, stay in great shape and meet many great people."

Benefiting from the financial and physical aspects that MMA has brought to his well-being is another intangible that the sport can develop within us all, and one that Joslin believes is truly unappreciated.

"Even better, the challenges of mixed martial arts competition has shown me what I'm capable of as a human being, working towards my goals, dealing with setbacks and persevering until the job gets done."

London, Ont.'s Mark (The Machine) Hominick, a veteran of the UFC and currently a featherweight with the WEC, said: "Being a part of MMA Day shows that although MMA is regarded as a mainstream sport in many states and provinces, it is still at a grassroots level in Ontario."

Hominick, who has a BA in Business from the University of Windsor, is one of the owners of Adrenaline MMA, a mixed martial arts training facility he helped co-found with fellow fighters Sam (Hands of Stone) Stout and Chris (The Polish Hammer) Horodecki. He is a prominent believer in the philosophy that all of the "MMA Day" organizers understand: passion breeds success.

"A gathering of some of the province's top athletes and personalities illustrates that the people most closely involved in the sport are the most passionate about getting the sport positive media, sanctioning and recognition," Hominick added.

Also expected to attend the rally at Queen's Park, the very lawn of the Provincial Legislature, are Carlos Newton (the first ever UFC welterweight champion from Canada), current UFC fighters, MMA business owners, coaches as well as various representatives from the Hospitality and Tourism sector, numerous politicans who are in favour of sanctioning MMA, as well as yours truly.

Organizers encourage everyone, from all ages and walks of life, to come out and support "MMA Day" from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday. The event is expected to be covered by numerous major media outlets, so you might just be seen on camera. And you'll be able to say you were there to help rally the cause of bringing mixed martial arts to Ontario.

Miscellaneous MMA notes:

-- The discussion pertaining to Performance Enhancing Drugs in MMA is really picking up

-- The Toronto Sun had an ominous prediction that UFC 115 may be the only MMA event in Vancouver for a long time, as it apparently looks like the City of Vancouver doesn't want the Vancouver Athletic Commission to sanction future events. At least, it is making it very difficult for promoters to bring events here, with high insurance, taxes and other demands. So what's the point of having the commission again?

-- Check out the trailer for Impact FC: The Uprising , featuring Josh Barnett, Karo Parisyan, Ken Shamrock, Carlos Newton and referee Big John McCarthy. The event takes place July 18 in Sydney, Australia.

-- As THQ gets ready to release UFC Undisputed 2010 on May 25, Roku player. Is this the future? With many predicting the future of television is going to be broadband, is Zuffa steps ahead of the curve?