

MMA Event (Photo Credit: Mixed Martial Arts Facebook)

The City of Vernon is the first city in the province to ban mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting events after an evening vote on Monday.

Professional MMA activities will not be allowed in the city, although amateur events will be allowed. A bylaw was adopted by council on Monday at the City’s regular council meeting. There had been some concern that MMA was connected to people of organized crime, according to the RCMP.

City staff had originally recommended banning all activities connected to MMA fighting but council decided to allow amateur event to continue. This will allow local youth to participate in the events. The bylaw was passed unanimously by council.