Canadian Medical Association votes to ban mixed martial arts

“Blood sport” is dangerous, say Canada’s top doctors

In the wake of Ontario’s decision to allow MMA in the province, the CMA voted on Wednesday to ban the controversial sport across the country. The vote carries no legal weight, but is a strong condemnation of a sport that many people consider brutally violent. Eighty-four per cent of delegates at the CMA’s annual conference supported the ban, citing in particular the risk of head injuries to participants. Two fighters have died in the U.S. in the past two years. Proponents of the sport say that it is no more dangerous than boxing and fighters follow strict safety rules.