The promoters of an "ultimate fighting" event on Six Nations have been charged with holding an illegal prize fight.
But organizers say the charges won't slow plans for the third and, they expect, the largest of the mixed martial arts fights, planned for this weekend.
Six Nations police have charged at least four men under Section 83 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits fighting with fists in contests that haven't been authorized by a legislated board or commission.
Those charged include Bill Montour, the president, director and secretary of the Grand River Athletic Corp.; James Procyk, the promoter of the Iroquois Mixed Martial Arts Championships; Dave Mair, the head coach of the local Team Iroquois; and Jason King, the commissioner of the Grand River Athletic Commission.
The charges relate to the first fight held by the group, last November.
more charges coming?
Six Nations police are still investigating the February mixed martial arts fight.
A police spokesperson could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
However, in a February news release, police said the prize fight was a criminal offence.
"The event was a 'for profit' enterprise for Mr. Montour and his partners," police Chief Glenn Lickers said in the news release.
"There is also a concern that if this type of event is illegal off the territory, what element of other schemes will be attracted to our community."
Lickers noted that "a number of Hell's Angels and Red Devils" showed up for the fight wearing their colours.
Procyk, of Hamilton, said he and others charged haven't appeared before a judge yet but they do have a lawyer who will help address the charges.
"The (Saturday) show will go on," he said Wednesday. "There's nothing we can do about the charges just now and we have a great program on Saturday. We're hoping it's our biggest turnout yet."
Fighter Shonie Carter was to be the headliner but, due to an injury, he had to back out, Procyk said. Carter will still be on hand to meet and greet the fans and cheer on the fighters in the eight to 11 bouts scheduled.
Fighters are coming from area fight clubs and from as far away as California, Georgia and Amsterdam, the organizer said.
Regarding concerns about motorcycle gangs attending the fights, Procyk said all posters note the event is drug-free, alcohol-free and that gangs are requested not to wear their colours.
"If they pay for a ticket, they can come in like anyone else."
The fights will take place at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena on Second Line Road, near Hagersville.