Jon Jones’ MMA Licence Reinstated Clearing His Path For Return to the Cage

December 11, 2018

(Screenshot via MMAFighting.com) After testing positive for metabolites of the steroid turinabol during an in-competition drug test at UFC 214 Jon Jones exposed himself to a host of potential legal consequences given that this was his second anti-doping infraction in the UFC’s USADA era. In September Jones cleared one of the biggest of these hurdles securing … More Jon Jones’ MMA Licence Reinstated Clearing His Path For Return to the Cage

Combatives Doctors Cautioned to Lookout for Vertebral Artery Dissection Following Complications From Chokeholds

December 11, 2018

Adding to this site’s combat sports safety study archives a recent article was published warning doctors overseeing combative sports training to be aware of the risk of spontaneous vertebral artery dissection following a chokehold submission. In the recent article, titled Vertebral Artery Dissection in Active-Duty Soldier Due to Mixed Martial Arts Choke Hold, the authors highlight … More Combatives Doctors Cautioned to Lookout for Vertebral Artery Dissection Following Complications From Chokeholds

Kickboxing and Sambo Granted Provisional Olympic Recognition

December 1, 2018

Today it was announced that Sambo and Kickboxing have been granted provisional recognition by the International Olympic Committee. The following information was contained in a press release published today: The International Sambo Federation (FIAS)…and the World Associations of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) were granted provisional IOC recognition for a period of three years by the EB. These … More Kickboxing and Sambo Granted Provisional Olympic Recognition

Study – Tracking Retinal Changes May Prove Useful in Tracking Boxer Brain Damage

November 8, 2018

A study was recently published noting that Olympic boxers had retinal changes compared to a control group not involved in contact sports suggesting this may hold value as a biomarker in determining when an athlete has been exposed to too much career head trauma. In the recent study titled “Investigating possible retinal biomarkers of head … More Study – Tracking Retinal Changes May Prove Useful in Tracking Boxer Brain Damage

Study – Genetic Factors May Play Role in CTE Severity

November 5, 2018

Adding to this site’s combat sports safety study summaries, research was recently published in the Journal Acta Neuropathologica suggesting genetic factors may play a role in severity of CTE.  Of note the study does not suggest that genetics cause CTE with Dr. Thor D. Stein, one of the study’s authors, telling the Boston Globe “environmental … More Study – Genetic Factors May Play Role in CTE Severity

Study – The Aftermath of Boxing Revisited – Yes, Its a high likelihood of CTE

November 4, 2018

An interesting study was recently published revisiting earlier data from the 1970’s with a modern understanding of CTE. In the earlier study, titled The Aftermath of Boxing, researchers published results in 1973 which noted a variety of neuropathological changes in retired boxers.  Brain tissue samples remained available from the initial participants and in a new … More Study – The Aftermath of Boxing Revisited – Yes, Its a high likelihood of CTE

The Current Version of the ABC’s “Unified” Rules of MMA

November 2, 2018

Last week the UFC held an event in Moncton, New Brunswick.  New Brunswick is a unique jurisdiction.  Unlike most Athletic Commissions they do not have their own approved rules for combat sports but instead allow a promoter to submit  “the rules of the combat sport for which the event is to be held” and these … More The Current Version of the ABC’s “Unified” Rules of MMA

Study – MMA Fighters Remain Compromised 24 Hours After Rapid Extreme Weight Cuts

October 21, 2018

Adding to this site’s archives of combative sports safety studies, a study was recently published in the Journal of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists shedding more light on the physical compromises associated with rapid extreme weight cutting in combat sports. In the recent article, titled “Physiological Function is Not Fully Regained With 24 Hours of Rapid … More Study – MMA Fighters Remain Compromised 24 Hours After Rapid Extreme Weight Cuts

In Wake of Legalization the UFC’s Elias Theodorou Calls for Cannabis Therapeutic Exemptions

October 18, 2018

Today cannabis became legal across Canada for recreational use.  For years before it has also been legal for medicinal purposes.  Despite changing attitudes and laws cannabis remains a banned substance in competition by many State and Provincial Athletic Commissions.  The World Anti Doping Agency removed alcohol and CBD from their prohibited list in 2018.   THC, … More In Wake of Legalization the UFC’s Elias Theodorou Calls for Cannabis Therapeutic Exemptions

WBO Diverts Lawsuit Alleging Ali Act Violations Into Arbitration

October 16, 2018

Late last month reasons for judgement were published by the US District Court for the District of Puerto Rico (h/t MMAPayout) upholding an arbitration clause diverting a lawsuit alleging violations of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act from court and into private arbitration. In the recent case (Trout v. WBO) the Plaintiff was a professional … More WBO Diverts Lawsuit Alleging Ali Act Violations Into Arbitration