NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario -- The Canadian Medical Association is calling for a ban on mixed martial arts in Canada.

Delegates at the annual meeting voted Wednesday to have the doctors group seek a government ban on the sport.

The vote came after often contentious debate among 250 doctors at the meeting in Niagara Falls.

Those in favor of banning the sport say it puts fighters at risk of severe head trauma and other injuries that could have lifelong effects.

They argue that unlike sports such as hockey and skiing, the intent of mixed martial arts is to incapacitate one's opponent.

Seven provinces in Canada sanction mixed martial arts prize fighting. The Ontario government recently changed its stance and will allow mixed martial arts in 2011.