Old News, but totally lame.

How is this legal?

http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/National+promotion+cancels+Quebec+event+over+rules+governing+shape+cage/3010301/story.html


The 2nd round of Elaine McCarthy's 'Let's Get It On' national MMA welterweight tournament has been cancelled due to regulatory issues with the notoriously bureaucratic Quebec RACJ Sports de Combat organization. McCarthy's husband 'Big John' is legendary MMA referee who helped write the unified rules of MMA.
Photograph by: Handout, ..

At the heart of the problem between the two parties is an RACJ rule demanding promoters use an octagonal cage. A circular cage, the preferred option of LGIO is not permitted.

Using an octagon is out of the question, however, as Zuffa LLC, the owners of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, long ago trademarked the eight-sided cage and doesn't give other companies waivers on their use.

"LGIO MMA uses a distinct circular cage because of their belief that it is the best and least obtrusive fighting environment available," said a statement the company released today. "After multiple discussions and presentations by LGIO, the RACJ was ultimately unable to make an amendment in their legislative regulations or bylaws in time to give approval to LGIO for their first scheduled show in the east in May."

The company, run by the wife of pioneering MMA referee Big John McCarthy, has released all fighters from their contract and will offer them a pay rise to return once the regulatory issues have been sorted out.

"It is still hard for me to comprehend how a government agency is forcing all MMA promoters within their province to use a specific cage as their fighting platform, obtain approval and pay a fee for the rights to another promoter to use that cage,” said Elaine McCarthy.

"The lost revenue for both the casino and the city of Ottawa Gatineau weighs heavily on me," she added.

The west coast-based 1st round of the LGIO welterweight tournament took place on April 23 at Alberta's River Cree Resort, with a contract with the Strikeforce U.S. MMA promotion being offered to the ultimate winner.


Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/National+promotion+cancels+Quebec+event+over+rules+governing+shape+cage/3010301/story.html#ixzz11diPpYSt

It sounds as though Zuffa has a few politicians in their pockets.

It's not old news to me cap thanks for posting it.

"It is still hard for me to comprehend how a government agency is forcing all MMA promoters within their province to use a specific cage as their fighting platform, obtain approval and pay a fee for the rights to another promoter to use that cage,” said Elaine McCarthy.

Wow something is def not right about that shit.