By Katie Ryan
Already a number of well-attended mixed martial arts (MMA) events have been held in the city and it’s only a matter of time before local fighters enter the ring once more.
The popularity of MMA in North America has skyrocketed in recent years, with local demand for MMA events being met by Evolution Fighting Championships, which already have three successful cards under their belt.
Not unlike other urban centres, the city now has a bylaw in the works to regulate MMA exhibitions in the Lloydminster with a new commission. At Monday’s city council meeting, officials introduced and approved the first reading for a Combative Sports Commission in the city, which would govern MMA events held in Lloydminster.
Not every councillor was on board though. Alderman Herb Flieger raised his arm in opposition of the bylaw’s first reading.
“I don’t think it is needed and I think we are putting our facilities at risk because the intent of the bylaw is to have these sports in the Civic Centre and I just don’t think it’s right,” said Flieger, following council’s meeting.
With the popularity of the sport gaining speed, it’s expected MMA events in the city will outgrow the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds, where the last two events were held.
“If we are going to see the emergence of mixed martial arts and UFC type events and they are going to be done on a larger scale, particularly in city owned facilities – maybe the Civic Centre because they have outgrown the Exhibition Grounds – then we believe it is legally right for us to form a commission so we can properly govern, oversee and maintain proper controls and proper safety precautions,” said Mayor Jeff Mulligan.
If the bylaw were to pass following a second and third reading, members of the Commission would be selected under the leadership of Councillor Larry Sauer and the Parks and Recreation Department, according to Mulligan.
“They would be experienced in either commissions, assessment review boards, they’d have expertise in those areas, not necessarily mixed martial arts,” he said.
“The commission really allows us to have the relationship that we need to have from a liability perspective. That it keeps it one step away from the city in that sense and the commission, as long as it fulfills its mandate and responsibilities, ensures that everyone is protected from a liability.”
Rather than have an appointed commission of the city, Flieger said he would prefer the city’s involvement were null.
“I just don’t think the city should be involved with it at all or even providing a facility,” he said.
“We shall see what happens, because it has passed the first reading, now it’s