Update September 19, 2013 – After writing the below article Ontario’s Office of the Athletics Commissioner advises me that “UFC’s contract with fighters provides for random drug testing at events. At UFC 165, an OAC physician will oversee the collection of samples for the tests.” I have asked the AC’s office for a copy of the … More No Compelled Drug Tests for UFC 165?
The use of marijuana by licensed MMA athletes is in the news again now that it is reported that the Nevada State Athletic Commission has raised the testing threshold of marijuana metabolites from 50 ng/mL to 150 ng/mL. This move is in line with the World Anti Doping Agency’s current policies who adopted the … More MMA Doping Laws and Medical Marijuana – Are TUE’s the Answer?
All tested athletes have reportedly passed their drug tests following UFC 161. The Manitoba Combative Sports Commissioner has just released the following brief statement: The Manitoba Combative Sports Commission had random drug testing conducted at UFC 161 in Winnipeg, Manitoba on June 15, 2013. Ten of the twenty two athletes were randomly tested for performance-enhancing drugs … More UFC 161 Drug Test Results – All Randomly Tested Athletes Come Back Clean
The diverse landscape of MMA regulation makes for potentially interesting issues whenever the UFC dips their toes in a new jurisdiction. With UFC 161 bringing the organization to Manitoba for the first time a question worth asking is which substances run afoul of Manitoba’s Combative Sports Commission? Article VIII of the UFC’s Fighter Contract requires … More What PED’s Are Out of Bounds for UFC 161?
For those of you not up to speed on the topic, the use of TRT is generally prohibited in sanctioned MMA as the use of testosterone replacement agents runs afoul of anti-doping regulations. There is a concern, however, that athletes are abusing a Therapeutic Use Exemption, and getting around this prohibition to gain an unfair advantage. In Canada and the US, regulated … More Can the UFC Outright Ban TRT?
In case there aren’t enough reasons to avoid illegal Performance Enhancing Drugs, their use may also open the door to civil or criminal repercussions following otherwise lawful MMA bouts. You need look no further than the aftermath of the McSorley/Brashear altercation or the Bertuzzi/Moore incident to recognize that the law sets limits to consent of harm in sports. … More Does failing to disclose illegal PED use take away consent in MMA?
Combat Sports Law 