Reports that UFC 115 in Vancouver is a “one-off” are inaccurate, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and UFC president Dana White said Thursday.
Earlier this week, Vancouver Coun. Kerry Jang characterized to media the city’s chances of a repeat performance as bleak. His reason was the lack of a provincial sanctioning body, leading to sky-high insurance prices for the UFC.
When asked at Thursday’s UFC 115 press conference at GM Place how much more the promotion had to shell out in insurance to come to Vancouver, White’s response was, “a lot more.”
While he was quick to add that it wasn’t a problem, it’s been quotes like this that have led to rampant speculation the UFC is done with Vancouver.
The question is what does “a lot more” mean? Is it millions? If it were, it would mean the UFC wouldn’t make much money considering it is expecting its gate to reach just over $4 million.
UFC vice-president of regulatory affairs Marc Ratner set the record straight.
“It’s tens of thousands, it’s not millions or hundreds of thousands … it’s not a hindrance.”
Robertson, whose son is involved in taekwondo, was mystified by Jang’s comments.
“I’m not sure where that came from. My sense from talking to the UFC is that they’re interested in doing more events in Vancouver.”
All parties agree a provincial sanctioning body would make a return visit a lot easier.
Ratner said the UFC is in talks with Victoria about making changes, but that it hasn’t hindered them from planning for the future.
“This area is so hot we’d like to make it an annual or every 18-month event.”
