McGuinty denies illegal lobbying in MMA decision

Ontario's premier says the only unregistered lobbyists bending his ear on mixed martial arts are his children.

Dalton McGuinty is facing opposition allegations that illegal lobbying played a role in his decision to allow MMA fights in the province.

The NDP has asked Ontario's integrity watchdog to investigate, and McGuinty says he welcomes any investigation.

Speaking Monday in Kitchener, Ont., at an unrelated event, McGuinty says he is "absolutely confident" there's been no illegal lobbying.

He jokingly added his daughter and three sons had been "incessantly" lobbying him to bring MMA to Ontario for a long time.

The NDP says an Ontario Liberal Party fundraiser hosted by former premier David Peterson and his colleague Noble Chummar, who is a registered lobbyist for Ultimate Fighting Championship, raises questions.