Combat Sports Law

The BC Athletic Commissioner has released their post bout drug test results following UFC 174.

The Commission advises as follows:

VICTORIA – British Columbia athletic commissioner Dave Maedel has issued the following
statement about drug testing results received following the UFC 174 match on June 14, 2014,
at Rogers Arena in Vancouver:
“The focus of the BC Athletic Commission is to ensure fighter safety and maintain the integrity
of the sport so athletes are competing on a level playing field.
“There were eight UFC 174 competitors tested on June 14, 2014, for the presence of banned
substances, including the two flyweight title fighters and six random competitors. All
competitors’ test results complied with World Anti-Doping Agency Standards subscribed to by
the BC athletic commissioner, as well as our anti-doping policies.
“In addition to the June 14 tests, Mr. Ali Bagautinov – one of the two flyweight title fighters –
was tested out of competition on June 2, 2014.
“Results received by this office from the June 2 tests on Mr. Bagautinov were positive for
erythropoietin, or EPO – a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. These results
were not available prior to the UFC 174 event due to lab processing times.
“Mr. Bagautinov lost his bid for the flyweight title to Demetrious Johnson.
“I have suspended Mr. Bagautinov’s licence to compete in British Columbia for a period of one
year.”
The Province established the Office of the BC Athletic Commissioner in May 2013. The
commissioner oversees the conduct of professional boxing and mixed martial arts as well as
amateur mixed martial arts, kickboxing, muay thai and pankration events throughout the
province of B.C.
The athletic commissioner is committed to the safety and integrity of combat sports in the
province. Legislation guiding the athletic commissioner is the Athletic Commissioner Act.