Speakers

MMA fighter Bill Mahood (former UFC and StrikeForce competitor) wants amateur administering body, particular for youth development. He is working with Sport BC, the federation of amateur sports organizations, to try for a BC provincial body for MMA (like Tennis BC or Gymnastics). Sport BC wants to instill good governance. Woodsworth asking about preference of Sport BC on provincial regulation and why it has taken the province so long. Sport BC rep says it is such a young sport, and references the experts involved in the group fighting for a provincial body. Deal encourages the movement forward for a provincial body. Laurence Epstein and Michael Mirsch from UFC are here. Epstein gives a rundown of scope and size of UFC. They only go to jurisdictions with PROPER regulation. They are very staunch about this. Marc Ratner is the man in regulating MMA and his team are the global regulatory experts for combat sports. Wants UFC for Vancouver in June 2010 at GM Place. Insurance and indemnity – they have minimum of $12 million insurance…MINIMUM. Both for crowds (trip down stairs) and fighters. Indemnity – half a dozen cities and states including San Antonio, Portland and Philadelphia have got indemnity. Jang wants claims history, because Epstein saying it isn’t very deep, San Antonio, someone slipped. Biggest claim so far. For participants they insure for medical coverage. What is the crowd experiences and crowd control issues from past experience? Epstein talks about 4-man security advance team and interaction with local law enforcement. Never had any problems. Deal talks about regulation evolution in fights. Regulation is key…they are the standard globally for the rules of the octagon, according to Epstein. Constantly looking on how to make the sport safer. Woodsworth asks about when he got the report. Epstein got report yesterday going through customs on blackberry. Woodsworth asks how much UFC makes. Epstein says they are a private company, and confirms for Woodsworth that Vancouver is indeed expected to be profitable. Epstein has spoken to de Jong about 90 days ago. Woodsworth wants to know if the staff proposals are enough protection. Epstein confirms that he only goes to jurisdictions with regulation, and these guidelines make their criteria. Woodsworth asks about money again and how much they will make. Epstein rightly states that money is not the organizations only gauge for events – long-term growth is multifaceted. Reimer asks about his opinion on Criminal Code. Epstein is a lawyer down south, but doesn’t know Canadian law.. But he thinks that the section in the current code gives provinces and cities the ability to take a lead in sanctioning and regulating. Reimer wants to ask about the small mickey mouse reporters (not exactly in those words) – can others offer the same standards of UFC. Epstein says regulation makes a universal standard for all to meetz. Louie asks about $12 million insurance explanation. Epstein says cities are added to claim. Louie asks about insurer’s rating. Epstein needs to get clarification – mentions AIG but immediately expresses regret at doing so Tgot a chuckle from the room). Louie can we see the policy? Yes. Now we have Mike Mirsch also from UFC.