UFC Refuses to Pay for Extra Policing at UFC 131

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, News

The UFC has turned down the Vancover Police Department's request to pay for extra policing around Rogers Arena on the night of UFC 131.

Tom Wright, UFC Canada's director of operations, informed MMA Fighting via e-mail that the he responded to the VPD on Thursday.

"I spoke with the VPD [Thursday] and advised them that we would not be funding any 'expanded police presence' for community areas in the general vicinity of the Rogers Arena," Wright wrote.

"I explained that while we remain supportive of law enforcement in every city we bring shows to, we weren't prepared to be 'treated differently' than other events/concerts/shows (Canucks, Rolling Stones etc). This is a particularly important consideration when 'incidents' at UFC events are typically fewer than other big events. As I explained, if I were the Chief I'd be more worried about Canuck fans (celebrating or crying in their beers) than UFC fans."

Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/05/13/ufc-refuses-to-pay-for-extra-policing-at-ufc-131/

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