In an announcement this morning at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Ultimate Fighting Championship stated plans to open a Canadian office in the city that will be led by former CFL Commissioner Tom Wright. The official opening of the Toronto office will be announced soon.

The promotion has travelled north of the border for three events to date, all in the city of Montréal, Québec, and will return on June 12th for UFC 115 at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia. Wright previously served as President of Salomon, Adidas Canada and Spalding Canada.

UFC President Dana White and UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta introduced Wright as the new Director of Canadian Operations for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He will officially take on the role effective May 31st. The well-respected Wright has over 25 years of experience and served as the Commissioner for the Canadian Football League from 2002 to 2006. He has also been extensively involved with the Special Olympics in Canada and remains on the board.

“I am pleased to announce we are opening an office in Canada, and that Tom Wright, who is so respected and accomplished here in Canada, will lead our business in this critically important market,” said Fertitta. “This will be the second international office for the UFC and, much like our UK operation, this presence will allow us to better serve the fans and businesses here, and to continue on our path of global expansion.”

With Wright’s experience as Managing Director for Level5 Strategic Brand Advisors, it is hoped that he will assist the UFC in building and developing relationships with local communities and businesses, as well as the provincial governments within Canada. Wright will also be involved with ongoing efforts to legalise mixed martial arts in the province of Ontario. The promotion is eyeing March of 2011 for its first event in Ontario, pending approval.