Combat Sports Law

The combat sports landscape in Canada is in need of reform.  Some Provinces say they cannot legalize professional kickboxing even if they want to.  Others are saying amateur grappling contests are by default illegal.  The Criminal Code, which was overhauled in 2013 after extensive UFC lobbying, was drafted poorly giving rise to these uncertainties. Enter Firas Zahabi of … More Why Firas Zahabi’s BJJ Bitcoin Ploy is a Risky Way To Try and Avoid the Criminal Code

Today the Nevada Athletic Commission were persuaded to deviate from a mandatory boxing safety rule.  They approved 8 oz gloves to be used for the upcoming Conor McGregor / Floyd Mayweather boxing bout despite their regulations requiring 10 oz gloves to be used in the weight-class.  This bout is controversial from the get go.  Mayweather … More Did Nevada Approve 8oz Gloves For McGregor v Mayweather in Exchange for Sports Memorabilia?

Update August 16, 2017 – …The NAC, today, approved 8 oz gloves.  They relied on no scientific evidence speaking to the safety of this decision contrary to advice from the ARP. ____________________________________ As first reported by MMAFighting’s Marc Raimondi, the Association of Ringside Physicians have stern words for the Nevada Athletic Commission telling them not … More Association of Ringside Physicians to NAC – No 8 oz Gloves for McGregor vs. Mayweather

Today the Korea Herald reports that criminal charges are being pursued against former UFC fighter Bang Tae-hyun for allegedly agreeing to take a dive at UFC Fight Night 79. In an interesting twist the fighter apparently had second thoughts prior to the bout and went on to a decision victory. The Herald reports as follows: South … More Former UFC Fighter Indicted For Fight Fixing

As reported by CBC’s Jon Tattrie, presently no professional boxing or MMA events can be held in Nova Scotia.  Why?  Because the government has failed to appoint (or re-appoint) new Nova Scotia Boxing Authority commissioners after the present acting members terms ended in June 2017.  This resulted in the Province being “not in good standing/not … More Government Neglect Puts Nova Scotia “Not in Good Standing” With Association of Boxing Commissions

Update – August 12, 2017 – Today Boxrec’s Grey Johnson advises me that he received “an e-mail from Mississippi that they got the ok from North Carolina for Marvin Hunt to fight“.  Apparently they did not bother to let Boxrec know the suspension was lifted prior to the fight. This is, in itself, troubling as … More Mississippi Reportedly Allows Fighter to Compete While Serving Suspension For Multiple KO’s (Article Updated – Suspension Apparently Waived)

Update August 16, 2017 – …The NAC, today, approved 8 oz gloves.  They relied on no scientific evidence speaking to the safety of this decision contrary to advice from the ARP. ___________________________________________ …Unless the Nevada Athletic Commission choose to ignore their own rules and the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sport’s Regulatory Guidelines. Earlier … More No, McGregor and Mayweather Cannot Wear 8 oz Gloves…

Last week NextGen Brazillian Jiu Jitsu hosted an amateur BJJ contest despite the Province saying such events are illegal.  In an interesting twist Toronto police officers were present but not to arrest anyone, rather they posed for photos with participants thumbing their nose at the Province’s position. The Province, apparently not too pleased with this … More After BJJ Tournament Ontario Doubles Down on “Illegal” Combat Sports