March 2015 – Combat Sports Law

New York MMA Bill Will Regulate All “Gyms, Clubs and Training Camps”

March 31, 2015

Update June 9, 2015 – the Bill has been drastically overhauled from its original form addressing many of the below concerns. You can click here for details. ________________________________________ A lot of positive headlines are circulating in the Mixed Martial Arts community celebrating the likely imminent legalization of professional MMA in the State of New York. … More New York MMA Bill Will Regulate All “Gyms, Clubs and Training Camps”

MMA’s Modern Fatality List

March 30, 2015

This article was originally published in 2015. It is updated periodically as new fatalities in MMA are documented _________________________________________ This weekend it was reported that 27 year old Ramin Zeynalov died after suffering a blow to the head in an Azerbaijanian MMA event. This is the 11th death in the modern history of MMA. Like with boxing, … More MMA’s Modern Fatality List

Nick Diaz Marijuana Fight 3.0 – Strategies that Won’t work

March 26, 2015

In what is now his third positive marijuana finding in Nevada, Nick Diaz has reportedly hired a New York lawfirm with expertise in “drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures,” to minimize fallout. Diaz’s manager suggests there are “irregularities’ in Diaz’s results.“. It is unclear what the suggested irregularities are and further it is unclear … More Nick Diaz Marijuana Fight 3.0 – Strategies that Won’t work

Fixing Poor Stoppages in MMA

March 24, 2015

Update – March 26, 2015 – The Brazilian Commission has now updated their rules to allow a bout result to be overturned in these circumstances and have changed the result to a no-contest. Here is their rule change: “The Executive Committee may, on an exceptional basis, revert a decision to “no contest” if it determines that … More Fixing Poor Stoppages in MMA

Cody McKenzie Scheduled to Fight in Midst of MMA Suspension

March 20, 2015

Update March 22, 2015 – Ryan Machan has confirmed this bout has now been cancelled – _______________________________________________ In an interesting development, former UFC Fighter Cody McKenzie is scheduled to headline Havoc FC 8 which takes place on March 27, 2015 in Red Deer Alberta. Here is the promotions advertisement of the bout – McKenzie is … More Cody McKenzie Scheduled to Fight in Midst of MMA Suspension

No Pro Kickboxing in the Forseeable Future for British Columbia

March 19, 2015

With Glory 20 scheduled to take place in Dubai on April 3, 2015, British Columbia’s very own Gabriel Varga is scheduled to compete for the promotion’s featherweight world title. Despite this accomplishment Varga cannot compete professionally in his own backyard and this situation does not appear likely to change anytime soon. You can click here … More No Pro Kickboxing in the Forseeable Future for British Columbia

Boxing Death Brings the Usual Questions Instead of the Important One

March 18, 2015

This weekend previously undefeated Australian featherweight boxer Braydon Smith died following a 10 round decision loss to John Vincent Moralde. Death is no stranger to boxing with the risks being well documented. Following combat sports deaths this is how the media conversation typically goes – 1. Stories of the fatality break with the usual sympathies … More Boxing Death Brings the Usual Questions Instead of the Important One

Coker – Rampage Compensated Over $1 Million, “Manufactured” Contract Breach

March 13, 2015

Litigation is perhaps the one avenue which sheds the most light on business practices in combat sports and more details are emerging through the ongoing contract dispute between Bellator and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. In support of their desired injunction Bellator President Scott Coker filed a Certification with the Superior Court of New Jersey which provides … More Coker – Rampage Compensated Over $1 Million, “Manufactured” Contract Breach

Cody McKenzie 3 Month Head Butt Suspension Upheld on Appeal

March 13, 2015

Following a first round disqualification loss due to an intentional head butt at World Series of Fighting 18, Cody McKenzie was handed a 3 month licence suspension by the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission. McKenzie appealed the decision and his appeal was dismissed this week with the Hearing Panel holding as follows: “In his February 26, … More Cody McKenzie 3 Month Head Butt Suspension Upheld on Appeal

“Why Is It Every Sport Has Some Type of Union and Boxing Don’t”

March 11, 2015

“Champs“, a documentary focusing on Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Bernard Hopkins, is set for a 2015 theatrical release. The movie examines the underbelly of the business of combat sports and at the 1:33 mark of the recently released trailer one fighter is quoted saying “Why is it every sport has some type of Union … More “Why Is It Every Sport Has Some Type of Union and Boxing Don’t”