The federal government has cleared the way for cities to host professional mixed martial arts prize fights.
Bill S-209, effectively killing a Criminal Code ban on MMA events, has been passed by the House of Commons and now only needs Royal assent.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship's director of Canadian operations is calling this 'a major development for the sport.'
Tom Wright says that section of the Criminal Code hasn't been updated in nearly 80 years (since 1934).
Since 2008, 12 UFC events have been held in Canada, including twice in Vancouver.
Mixed martial arts are currently sanctioned at the provincial level in BC and four other provinces, but this bill impacts all 10 provinces and three territories.