Category: Uncategorized

Will Controversial “Downward Pointing Elbow Strikes” Be Legal at UFC 161?

June 10, 2013

 UFC 161 is in the hands of the Manitoba Combative Sports Commission making the event subject to Manitoba’s Boxing Regulation. As it presently reads, this regulation does not blindly adopt the Unified Rules but instead has its own list of fouls.  While there is nothing controversial about this, one well-established foul that is not adopted by Manitoba … More Will Controversial “Downward Pointing Elbow Strikes” Be Legal at UFC 161?

And The Yeas Have It! MMA Given Legal Framework in Canada

June 5, 2013

Canadians have embraced Mixed Martial Arts since the Sport’s inception.  Despite this MMA has always been illegal in Canada.  The long road to legalization is nearing an end with Bill S-209 now passing Third Reading in Parliament with a vote of 267-9 allowing for a legal framework for both professional and amateur MMA along with other … More And The Yeas Have It! MMA Given Legal Framework in Canada

There’s a New Sheriff in Town for BC Mixed Martial Arts

May 30, 2013

(Image via BC Government’s Flickr Page) There is now official confirmation that BC’s first Athletic Commissioner is Dave Maedel.  You can click here to read about his background. Maedel, who recently served as the Chief Sheriff of BC Sheriff Services, is now the first acting BC Athletic Commissioner.  With his formal powers coming into force … More There’s a New Sheriff in Town for BC Mixed Martial Arts

Support Your Local Combat Sports Community! Check Out the Hurricane Fight League this Friday

May 28, 2013

If you are a fan of combat sports you don’t have to wait for the big show to come to town to see a great live event.  There is much more to combat sports than the bright lights of the UFC with local events often producing exciting action and great entertainment. To this end, I … More Support Your Local Combat Sports Community! Check Out the Hurricane Fight League this Friday

Pat Reid Voices Concerns that Bill S-209 Leaves Other Martial Arts in the Dark

May 24, 2013

I have been vocal in my support that while amending the Criminal Code to allow a legal framework for MMA in Canada is a good thing, Bill S-209 is not without its flaws.  Specifically it will make many amateur martial arts contests such as Karate and potentially even wrestling illegal by default unless Provinces act. … More Pat Reid Voices Concerns that Bill S-209 Leaves Other Martial Arts in the Dark

Edmonton Commission Looks into MMA Weight Cut Reform

May 23, 2013

Research indicates that many MMA athletes compete in a “significantly dehydrated” state due to the weight cuts they put themselves through to make their contracted weight.  This in turn leads to noted increased injury risks including increased risk of brain trauma. I previously highlighted this issue which led to a good discussion here, and further … More Edmonton Commission Looks into MMA Weight Cut Reform

Will Bill S-209 Criminalize Fighting in Hockey?

May 23, 2013

(Image via Wikimedia) Earlier this week I was pleased to learn that Joel Fingard, the Executive Director of the Manitoba Combative Sports Commission,is among the readers of this blog. Joel asked me whether, in my view, Bill S-209 will have the effect of criminalizing fighting in hockey and other non-combat sports.  The short answer is no.  I … More Will Bill S-209 Criminalize Fighting in Hockey?

Canadian National Boxing Champions $1,000,000 Hand Injury Case Upheld on Appeal

May 22, 2013

(Cross-Published at the BC Injury Law Blog) ___________________________________________________________________________ In an example that a similar injury can have profoundly different consequences for different people depending on their chosen profession, last year a Vancouver Jury awarded professional boxer  Jegbefumere ‘Bone’ Albert  just over $1,000,000 following a traumatic hand injury caused in a motor vehicle collision which negatively impacted … More Canadian National Boxing Champions $1,000,000 Hand Injury Case Upheld on Appeal