Taking steps to legalize MMA in Ontario

With a ban on Mixed Martial Arts professional competition in Ontario it really puts a strain on fighters trying to break into the big promotions such as the UFC.

There is hope on the horizon though; The Fighting Spirit Championship is an up-start organization that will hold fights on Indian reserves in Ontario, where the OPP has no jurisdiction.

But, I said MMA is completely illegal in Ontario. Yes, it absolutely is illegal. But, due to native laws and the setting of the fights, this makes the event 100 per cent fine as the governing body over the province technically has no say in the matter.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Andrew Cajilig, the fight match-maker for the Fighting Spirit Championship (FSC), and he really got down to details as to how it is even possible to get around these strict Ontario laws.

Trent Williams: Where did the Fighting Spirit Championship come from?
Andrew Cajilig: MMA is not legal in Ontario, but through the help of Albert Doxdator we are able to set up fights on native reserves due to their native status, there have been other fights on the grounds for about two years now. We are setting up our first big event now with TV production on December 13 and we are having the first MMA belt handed out in Ontario at the 155lb division. This is our way of saying that the MMA community is growing, and that we can not stopped from what we love to do.

TW: Now of course like you said MMA is banned for professional sanctioned events in Ontario, so what's it going to take and how long before that is changed?
AC: It lies somewhat in the hands of UFC president, Dana White. He is going to be going through getting it legalized in New York, Massachusetts, and then we are hoping Ontario. When he gets here, I want to show him the product that is already here. I am hoping to see it here professionally, like at the ACC or something by late 2009 or 2010.

TW: What roll do you want to play in the legalization of MMA?
AC: I just love the sport; I'm in it for the fighters and the local clubs. I want them to have a home here in Ontario and not be forced to jump ship to the USA to train and fight.

TW: What got you interested in MMA as a fan and as a promoter?
AC: I had seen the market of MMA getting huge and wanted to get into it. For one guy to say that MMA can't be legal in Ontario just isn't fair and I wanted to be the leading force that helps fight that and shows what the sports about.

TW: On December 13, what can fans expect to see from your inaugural event?
AC: You'll see an eight man tournament fighting their way for the right to win the first ever MMA belt in Ontario at 155lbs, and you'll see Casey Nolan, Chuck Liddell's ex-girlfriend fight our champion here in Ontario Sasha Murovich and the main event will be UFC vet Shonie Carter taking on Eduardo Pamplona. There will also be a top five pound for pound fighter in the world at the event.

TW: Can you tell me who the fighter is?
AC: I can't (haha). Let's just say he's highly regarded as one of the top guys in the world right now in MMA.

TW: Let's look down the road, hypothetically, MMA is legal in Ontario, it's 2010, what roll does the Fighting Spirit Championship have in Ontario?
AC: We want to be a feeder company, we want to build up these fighters for the UFC to look and say hey, this guy is good. I want fighters to move on from the FSC and make it to the big shows and make a name for their selves, but it all starts here.

TW: Thank you Andrew for taking the time to speak today, anything else you wanted to add?
AC: Just come out to the event, it's going to be a good time for all and it's history in the making.

Fighting Spirit Championship

What: The first ever MMA event in Ontario where a belt will be won.

When: December 13th 2008 3 pm.

Where: Oneida Community Centre, London, Ontario

Who: Main Event — Shonie Carter vs. Eduardo Pamplona, plus an eight man tournament.

For more information check out www.thefsc.ca.