Combat Sports Law

Today the California State Athletic Commission passed emergency procedures allowing combat sports to resume.  These set the parameters for when events can be held “When an Infectious Disease Causes a State of Emergency“. I have checked with Andy Foster, the Executive Director of the CSAC, who confirms that “They have passed.” Below are the full … More California Passes Emergency Procedures Clearing Way For Combat Sports to Resume

Update – Nevada has now responded to my public records request.  Here are their full Covid 19 Protocols NSAC PROTOCOLS PCR ONLY FOR EVENTS WITHOUT FANS ________________________________________________________   Today the Nevada Athletic Commission (“NAC”) cleared the way for combat sports events to proceed in the State during the ongoing pandemic. Specifically they approved “COVID-19 protocols, … More Nevada Approves Combat Sports Events Without An Audience in the Covid19 Era

Update May 20, 2020 – today the MMAJA released a further statement shedding light on the fact that the UFC has apparently modified their non-disparagement contracts with media but the revised language is still too restrictive for the MMAJA’s liking.  Below is their updated statement: The officers of the MMA Journalists Association are aware of … More MMA Journalists Association Tells Members “Not To Sign” UFC Non-Disparagement Contract

The responsible regulation of combat sports is a difficult task even in normal times.  The job becomes particularly challenging during a global pandemic.  Following UFC 249 several physicians deeply experienced with combative sports have voiced key information that ringside physicians ought to be aware of and ought to make commissions aware of for events taking … More Safe Combat Sports in a Pandemic? Experienced Fight Doctors Speak Up

Today the UFC’s privately hired anti-doping partner USADA announced that Kelvin Gastelum accepted a suspension for his second violation of the anti doping policy. Gastelum tested positive for THC above permissible in competition limits at UFC 244 which took place in New York.   He accepted a nine-month period of ineligibility which began on November 3, … More Kelvin Gastelum Accepts 9 Month USADA Suspension For Second Marijuana Violation

UFC 249 took place this weekend.  The first major sport to get back to business following the Covid-19 public health related lockdown.  A bold and controversial move.  Despite one athlete being removed from the card after he and his cornermen tested positive for Covid-19 the event appears to have been a success with even the … More Thoughts on UFC 249 And Waiver Controversies

In March and April 2020 the Association of Ringside Physicians took increasingly strong views on the safety of live combat sports events during the Covid-19 pandemic and ultimately recommended “all” events be postponed.  With the slow march to reopening the economy and Florida declaring pro sports with a national audience an ‘essential service’ the ARP … More Association of Ringside Physicians Soften Stance on Live Combat Sports Events

Today the ABC announced the cancellation of their 2020 annual conference which was scheduled to take place this July in Sacramento, California. The full announcement below: We regret to inform you that the 32nd Annual Conference scheduled for July 23rd-July 30th in Sacramento, California will be canceled. This is the first time in 32 years … More Association of Boxing Commissions Cancels 2020 Annual Conference

In British Columbia professional and amateur MMA events along with various other combative sports are regulated by the office of the BC Athletic Commissioner.  Individual City’s were stripped of the ability to self regulate events however they enjoy the power to ban professional combat sports if they wish.  Such a proposed ban was up for … More Surrey BC’s Proposed MMA Ban Defeated

Overturning a combat sports bout result is a difficult exercise.  Although the criteria can vary somewhat from jurisdiction to jurisdiction generally successful appeals are limited to cases of proven collusion, scorecard math errors or misapplication of relevant rules.  Exercising discretion (even if other officials may have exercised their discretion differently) rarely gives rise to a … More Virginia Dismisses Ion Cutelaba TKO Loss Appeal