UFC Opens Canadian Office; Wright Named Director

The location and date for the official opening will be announced in the near future, according to UFC officials. UFC President Dana White cited the move as further proof of the promotion’s commitment to Canada. The UFC has designs on promoting as many as three events per year in the country.

“The support that we receive from the fans and the media here is second to none,” he said. “It’s time for UFC to show its commitment to this country and prove that we are as passionate about our Canadian fans as they are about us.”

UFC 115, which features a matchup pairing hall of famer Chuck Liddell with former middleweight champion Rich Franklin, will play out at GM Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, next month. White also revealed that a Canadian site was being sought as a possible host for the UFC welterweight championship bout between Georges St. Pierre and Josh Koscheck later this year. The two will appear as coaches on the forthcoming 12th Season of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series.

Meanwhile, Tom Wright was named UFC’s Director of Canadian Operations and will assume the position on May 31. He will focus on bettering the UFC’s relationships within local communities, provincial governments and the national and local media. In addition, Wright will keep up efforts to regulate the sport of mixed martial arts in Ontario, which has proven a difficult nut to crack. Active in the Special Olympics, Wright served previously as Commissioner of the Canadian Football League, President of Adidas Canada LTD and Managing Director of Level5 Strategic Brand Advisors, one of the country’s premier brand strategy firms.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to lead Canadian operations for the UFC and to be involved in this incredible period of time in the sport’s history,” Wright said. “I look forward to helping the UFC build its brand and business in Canada.”