Will UFC 97: "Redemption" Be Removed???

Rumors are running rampant as to the cancellation of UFC 97: Redemption, that is scheduled to be taking place on Apr. 18 at the Bell Center in Montreal.

The buzz was created when the director of communications for the combat sports division of the Régie des Alcools, des Courses et des Jeux (alcohol and gaming division) of Quebec, Réjean Thériault, called into question elbows and knees to the head that are a part of the standard MMA rules.

The QAC seemed to have no problems with the UFC event that was held in Montreal last April, an event that broke attendance records for the UFC. It also did not seem to have a problem with any of the other MMA promotions that have used those rules for many events across Quebec in the 10 years that MMA has been legal in this province.

To turn around now and try to exploit the negative publicity that erupted after the headline event of a recent card held in Montreal on Feb. 6 turned ugly, is simply wrong. What happened between Steve Bossé and James Thompson is not a reflection of MMA, combat sports, or even the seven other thrilling fights that happened on that card.

I am not a lawyer, but I have to think that the fact that there has been around 10 years of MMA happening legally in Quebec, the fact that this would be the second appearance by the UFC within a 12-month time frame, and the huge positive response in tickets sales, that the QAC would come to their senses in no time.

If not, or if talk of trying to force the UFC to change their rules continues, we encourage MMA fans AROUND THE WORLD to voice their opposition and file a Quebec with the QAC.

Just follow the link to their Web site, and you will see a drop down box near the center of the page. Choose "complaints", and cite the fact that under no circumstances should the UFC, or any other MMA organizations should be forced to change their rules.