REGINA – A Saskatchewan mixed martial arts (MMA) promoter is taking his fight to court.
Prestige Fight Club organizers were charged following an unsanctioned Weyburn event in September 2013.
Cord Crowthers, who co-runs Prestige, says he knew, at least a week prior, the fights should have never entered the cage.
“We were only a few days out,” said Crowthers. “We decided it was in everyone’s best interest to continue with the show.”
Since June 2013, the Saskatchewan Martial Arts Association (SMAA) determines who can host a fight.
SMAA denied Prestige’s request.
“There’s no reason, if you want to promote the sport in the province, why you wouldn’t allow successful promoters in like ourselves,” Crowthers said.
Crowthers doesn’t qualify to be a member of the SMAA. One of the few amateur MMA promoters sanctioned in Saskatchewan says there’s a reason for the red tape to get in – high standards.
“I had to become a black belt, own a gym, and they approve me then if they felt I’d be a great part of the community,” said AJ Scales, who promotes Regina’s ‘Saturday Night Fights.’
Prestige is suing the province and the SMAA, seeking damages for lost business and to strip the governing body of its powers to regulate the sport.
It comes as Saskatchewan is developing a commission to sanction professional events – taking cues from BC and Manitoba.
READ MORE: Saskatchewan to create an athletics commission
“Just to see that process from the medicals right up on to the weigh-in,” said Twyla MacDougall, of the Parks, Culture & Sport Ministry.
Crowthers says Prestige isn’t giving up – and stands behind his actions.
“It’s here to develop the sport in Saskatchewan and we think we’re leaders in that field.”
Which is why he plans to win this fight.
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