The economy in the United States has forced the UFC to be a little more selective with its show dates. That included moving an event from Salt Lake City back in August. That was followed up by a slower selling event in Oakland. But the promotion has a backup plan outside the states but its not Europe. The UFC recognizes that with a short trip to the north it can tap into the most rabid MMA fanbase in the world. During a UFC 124 press conference for its December event in Montreal, the promotion indicated it plans to hit Canada three times in 2011 and that may mean a UFC Fan Expo as well.
Tom Wright, the UFC's Director of Canadian Operations said the goal is a Vancouver event in the first third of the year, then mid-year in Toronto followed by Montreal in late 2011.
"Last week we met in Vancouver to bring our second fight there," said Wright. "We've already had conversations about bringing our first event to Toronto. And that's where we'd probably hold a Fan Expo."
UFC has been working for years on getting MMA regulated in Toronto. It finally cleared the first hurdle on Aug. 14 when MMA was sanctioned by the Ontario government. Wright said discussions have already begun with a venue in Toronto. Everything is a go as long the regulatory process is finished by the end of 2010.
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