The UFC Fan Expo could hit Canada for the first time in 2011.
Tom Wright, the UFC’s Director of Canadian operations, today said that the company will bring a Fan Expoto Canada, but they’re waiting to do it in conjunction with the first-ever UFC event in Toronto.
Wright made the announcement during today’s UFC 124 press conference in Montreal.
“If we bring a Fan Expo to canada, most likely it will come to Ontario. The last time Dana was here was to announce the opening of our Toronto office. He spoke of bringing three numbered events to Canada each year,” Wright said. “Last week, we met in Vancouver to bring our second fight there. We’ve already had conversations about bringing our first event to Toronto, and that’s where we’ll probably hold a Fan Expo.”
The government of Ontario voted to sanction mixed martial arts in the province on August 14. Since that time, UFC officials – including Wright and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner – have been working diligently with the Ontario government to get the rules and procedures in place that would allow the UFC to visit the city for the first time.
“We’ve already started discussions about a venue in Toronto. Most likely, we’re looking at the first UFC event in Toronto in mid-2011. But the date hasn’t been selected yet because we haven’t completed the regulatory process,” Wright said. “But it’s going to be a big year. Toronto will be sandwiched between Vancouver and Montreal next year, so it could be great.”
The UFC Fan Expo events are attended by thousands of fans and feature autograph signings with popular UFC stars, merchandise booths featuring the top brands in mixed martial arts and special Q&A sessions featuring Dana White, Mike Goldberg and more.
