Is UFC big in Canada?
If you weren’t aware that UFC is already huge in Canada, 2022 will be the year you realize it. With a large, passionate fanbase and a new UFC Canada office opened up, it’s no surprise that more UFC big events are being scheduled to take place in Canadian cities.
The biggest UFC fights usually occur in the USA, the UK and Mexico. One of the most anticipated fights – Volkov vs Aspinall – will be taking place at UFC London just next month. But Canada has since attracted more UFC events off the back of Dana White’s comments back in 2010 stating that the demand in Canada blows him away.
The UFC’s new office in Canada
Dana White has backed up his previous comments about Canada’s affinity with the UFC by opening an official UFC office in Toronto. This UFC Canada office is now spearheaded by Tom Wright, who previously held top jobs with Adidas and Spalding in the nation. Dana went on record to say that a recent Vancouver event was one of the fastest to sell out in UFC history, and it was time that the UFC rewarded Canadians for their passionate support. Hence why, a new UFC office has been opened in Toronto, which will pave the way for more local events.
UFC events in Canada
The UFC usually plans its events in one of the countries where the fighters are from, creating a sort of home and away scenario and setting up the possibility of a rematch in the other’s country. Although, many times, the USA works as a midground for fighters from countries that may not attract such a big in-person crowd. In a nutshell, the decisions are commercially motivated.
Canada was often overlooked as a country to host the biggest UFC fights and events. Even Dana White himself said that he wasn’t aware of the UFC demand among Canadians until recently. Most of the events that do take place in Canada are located in Montreal, although Vancouver did manage to scoop a pay-per-view event too.
Toronto is due to get its first-ever UFC event in April this year, which White says was a long time coming. Tom Wright of the UFC Canada office has stated that he is thrilled that Toronto is finally hosting a UFC event due to the volume of local UFC fans.
Who are the best Canadian UFC fighters?
The reason why so many Canadians do follow and enjoy UFC is arguably down to how many nationals have succeeded in the sport. There is a wealth of Canadian UFC fighters who have enjoyed or are still enjoying successful careers.
Some of the most prominent Canadian names in UFC include George St-Pierre, who only ever lost twice but avenged on both occasions in the rematches. He still has the most welterweight wins in the division, standing at 19 victories. Another big name in the sport is Patrick Cote, a man who may not have any titles to his name but only ever lost in big battles against the sport’s very best guys.
