Vancouver city councillors will vote on the future of mixed martial arts today.
Coun. Heather Deal told 24 hours a new staff report recommends a two-year trial to hold professional MMA events.
But it must first survive a vote at City Hall this morning.
While several councillors have reservations about the sport - COPE Coun. David Cadman has long been opposed - Deal believes there will be enough votes to go forward.
"There should be enough votes, but it won't be a slam dunk. Wrong sport, it's not a tap out, I guess," said Deal, who admits she's still working on her MMA terminology.
Deal said the report shows the city has done its homework and ensures it'll be legally covered until the federal government revamps its outdated prize fighting legislation.
UFC executive vice-president Lawrence Epstein and assistant general counsel Michael Mersch will be on hand to speak to council.
The popular organization has already booked a June date with GM Place for a pay-per-view event in Vancouver.
Vancouver police spokesperson Const. Lindsey Houghton said the department will also make a presentation in favour of MMA events.
"We support any properly regulated and sanctioned event," he said. "It's up to the promoters to ensure there is enough security."
He said the notion that criminals tend to flock to MMA events is "largely unfounded."
"It's not different than any major sports event," he said.
The sport has been banned in Vancouver since 2007 and is technically not permitted under the Criminal Code of Canada's section on prizefights.
