Update November 30, 2017– I contacted Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport for clarification about what rules the designated PSO is allowed to use when overseeing grappling and pankration contests.  In a somewhat baffling reply the Ministry is taking the position that BJJ is not ‘grappling’ and remains illegal in Ontario despite this recent … More Ontario Legalizes Amateur Grappling and Pankration Tournaments; BJJ Remains Illegal

The Korea Herald reports that former UFC fighter Bang Tae-hyun has been handed a 10 month jail term after agreeing to take a dive at UFC Fight Night 79 in Seoul on Nov. 28, 2015. Bang apparently agreed to lose his fight but the UFC got wind that something was amiss when betting lines dramatically shifted … More Former UFC Fighter Handed 10 Month Jail Sentence For Fight Fixing

Kirik Jenness of MixedMartialArts.com  has published a concerning story involving Arkansas allowing a boxer who previously tested positive for HIV to compete. Jenness notes as follows: “Michael Mazzulli, President of the Association of Boxing Commissions, recently reached out to the Governor of Arkansas, alleging that the Arkansas Athletic Commission knowingly allowed an HIV positive boxer to engage in … More Arkansas Reportedly Allows HIV Positive Boxer to Compete

Update November 28, 2017 – Today I spoke with Bernie Profato, the Ohio Athletic Commission’s Executive Director, who confirmed his office has been investigating numerous fighters for submitting falsified bloodwork.  Profato confirms a total 23 fighters have been suspended.  These include 21 amateur MMA fighters and 2 professional. Profato published the following list of fighters … More Over 20 Fighters Reportedly Suspended in Falsified Bloodwork Scandal

Update December 14, 2017 – Today the charges were disposed of with Werdum being ordered to pay a $600 fine. ________________________________ After video surfaced of UFC fighter Fabricio Werdum throwing a boomerang at Colby Covington and a noted second altercation where Werdum reportedly punched Covington the UFC heavyweight has been charged with assault. The Australian Associated … More Fabricio Werdum Charged With Assault Following Boomerang Attack

Earlier this year boxer and MMA fighter Tim Hague died following a bout with Adam Braidwood.  The bout was a one sided affair with Hague being knocked down 3 times in the first round with an arguable 4th knockdown that the referee deemed a slip. In the second round Hague was dropped for a fourth time … More CTV News Airs Three Part Investigative Series Into Tim Hague Death

Last week the UFC sent Marc Ratner to Washington to testify in opposition of legislation aiming to expand the Muhammad Ali Act to mixed martial arts. (For background you can click here to read what the legislation will do). In an interesting twist, the UFC’s biggest US based promoter, Bellator MMA, filed a letter with … More Bellator Files Letter Supporting Expansion of Ali Act to MMA