February 2015 – Combat Sports Law

The Solution For Dangerous Rapid Extreme Weight Cuts in Combat Sports

February 26, 2015

A recurring theme at this website is pointing out the real dangers that come with Rapid Extreme Weight Cut practices in MMA. Documented harm has become so common that my list of injuries from Rapid Extreme Weight Cut practices has to be amended on a far too frequent basis. Kirik Jenness, owner of MixedMartialArts.com and … More The Solution For Dangerous Rapid Extreme Weight Cuts in Combat Sports

Josh Neer Violent Gym Fight and Some Lessons For “Smokers”

February 25, 2015

Former UFC Fighter Josh Neer is making news after video surfaced of him violently finishing a gym fight against an opponent who apparently had been heckling Neer on social media and accepted an invitation to fight. The video was quickly taken down, but copies of course survived. Here is the clip – Shorty after Iowa Athletic … More Josh Neer Violent Gym Fight and Some Lessons For “Smokers”

$37,757 In Damages Ordered After Commercial Piracy of UFC 135

February 24, 2015

Adding to this site’s archived judgments of lawsuits addressing UFC piracy claims, reasons for judgement were released this month by the US District Court, D. South Carolina, ordering a commercial establishment to pay $37,757 following piracy of UFC 135. In the recent case (Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Upstate Recreation) the Defendants operated a Nightlclub. … More $37,757 In Damages Ordered After Commercial Piracy of UFC 135

Sport Organizer Negligent For Failing to Take Reasonable Steps to Enforce Own Rules

February 23, 2015

While not a case involving combat sports, reasons for judgement were released today by the BC Supreme Court, Vancouver Registry, demonstrating that a sports league can be liable in negligence when they fail to take reasonable steps to ensure their rules of play are being followed. There are lessons to be learned in cases such … More Sport Organizer Negligent For Failing to Take Reasonable Steps to Enforce Own Rules

Practical Barriers for the UFC’s Planned Random Drug Testing Program

February 20, 2015

Update February 23, 2015 – I’d like to thank MMA’s official record keeper, Kirik Jenness, for reproducing portions of this story and featuring it prominently at his flagship site mixedmartialarts.com. I encourage anyone interested in the subject to visit there and engage in the dialogue. ______________________________________ Yesterday the UFC announced their plans for stricter Performance … More Practical Barriers for the UFC’s Planned Random Drug Testing Program

Wisconsin Looks To Regulate Kickboxing in Aftermath of Combatant Death

February 19, 2015

Update March 10, 2015 – I have obtained a copy of Assembly Bill 2015-76 which is the proposed law seeking to overhaul combat sports regulation in Wisconsin. A full copy of the bill can be found here – Wisconsin Assembly Bill 2015 76 While the Bill should be applauded for bringing amateur and professional kickboxing into … More Wisconsin Looks To Regulate Kickboxing in Aftermath of Combatant Death

UFC Acknowledges “Alarming” Doping Problem in the Sport, Solutions Discussed

February 19, 2015

Earlier today UFC President Dana White, CEO Lorenzo Fertitta and Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein held a press conference acknowledging the extent of the doping problem in elite MMA. Fertitta acknowledged the need for overhaul. The high rate of out of competition drug test failures was contrasted with the lower in competition rate (when athletes … More UFC Acknowledges “Alarming” Doping Problem in the Sport, Solutions Discussed

Court Declines High Damage Award Following UFC Pay Per View Piracy

February 19, 2015

In the latest decision addressing damages for piracy of Pay Per View broadcasts, reasons for judgement were released last week by the US District Court, E.D. North Carolina, assessing damages for piracy of UFC 116 by a private club. In last week’s case (Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Johnson) the Defendant operated a private club … More Court Declines High Damage Award Following UFC Pay Per View Piracy

70% of UFC Roster Using PED’s?

February 16, 2015

Recently MMA personality Front Row Brian suggested that the UFC sent anonymous samples to the US Anti Doping Agency for testing and that “about 70% of the samples came back dirty“. It was suggested that this is the reason why the UFC “decided to abandon their out of competition drug testing program“. Here are the … More 70% of UFC Roster Using PED’s?

Court Criticizes Requested “Implausible Award” in UFC Piracy Case

February 14, 2015

Two patterns are clear when individuals and commercial establishments are sued for alleged piracy of UFC pay per view events. When Defendant’s fail to respond Zuffa and their commercial distributors do pursue default judgement so it is not wise to ignore the litigation. Secondly, when seeking damages Zuffa and their commercial distributors often seek damages … More Court Criticizes Requested “Implausible Award” in UFC Piracy Case