Former UFC fighter Tim Hague passed away earlier this year due to injuries sustained in a boxing match in the city of Edmonton.
After an investigation performed by the city, the city council has issued a directive to the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission (ECSC) to stop issuing event permits or new licenses until December 31 of 2018.
The bylaw comes into effect on December 9 of 2017, but the ban could be lifted or altered by the city council if it chooses to do so.
A full report is expected to be released on the fighter’s death by December 14, but it will first be given to the Hague Family and city council first:
“That Administration and the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission ensure the final independent report into the events surrounding the June 16, 2017 boxing match be provided to the Hague Family and City Council and released to the public no later than December 14, 2017, and that prior to release that the City review in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.”
Interestingly, the ban also applies to professional wrestling. In response, WWE has postponed a live event that was scheduled to take place on February 9. They issued the following statement:
"Following new guidelines established by Edmonton's city council, WWE's event on Friday, February 9 at Rogers Place has been postponed. The WWE is working closely with the local Commission, and hope to return with their sports entertainment events to Edmonton in the near future."
Hague had a professional MMA record of 21-13-0, with his lone win in the UFC coming over Pat Barry at UFC 98 in May of 2009.
In a statement of their own, the ECSC says that they respect the directive of the city council while continuing to do the work that they do:
“We respect the prerogative of Edmonton City Council. We will continue our work as a commission, using this time to move forward with the comprehensive policy review that had already been underway. We will work with City Administration to advise Council on a future path at the end of the moratorium.”
Prior to his passing earlier this year, the UFC veteran’s last MMA bout was a loss to Michal Andryszak at Absolute Championship Berkut 41 in July 2016.
